# NJ-09 — 2026 U.S. House Race (Tier 2) > [!info] Tier 2 light file > Likely-rated seat — condensed tracking page. Promote to a full Tier 1 dossier if a forecaster moves it to Toss Up / Lean. Passaic-County-anchored North Jersey seat held by freshman Democrat **Nellie Pou**, who won 2024 by ~5 points over Billy Prempeh — well below predecessor Bill Pascrell's usual margins. The suburban Passaic shift and a marginal **D+2** lean keep the seat on the Likely (not Solid) list. **Ratings:** Cook **Likely Democratic** (PVI ~D+2). ## Related - [[2026 House Races Hub]] - [[NJ-07-2026]] — other NJ battleground