After Representative Andy Kim tossed his hat into the US Senate race, it left his third Congressional District seat wide open, pitting two former legislative running mates against one another.

Assembly members Herb Conaway and Carol Murphy.

They're considered to be the top contenders, along with three other candidates on the Democratic side.

And four Republicans.

As Raven Santana reports, this race was made closer by the disappearance of the party line.

Women's reproductive rights.

I mean, I think that's obviously been under assault.

And also quality, affordable health care.

Those are two of the main reasons Rich Cleaver came out to vote this morning.

They're also some of the top issues for Democratic candidates, Assemblyman Herb Conaway and Assemblywoman Carol Murphy, former assembly running mates who are now facing off against each other for Congressman Andy Kim's open House seat in District three, along with three other candidates, businesswoman Sarah Schoengood civil rights attorney Joe Cohen and teacher Brian Schkeeper.

Because of redistricting, the third Congressional District in New Jersey has gone from being a district that would marginally favor Donald Trump to a district that would favor Joe Biden by 14 points.

That is a strong district for Democrats.

The race is also considered historic because there's an opportunity for two firsts.

The first woman legislator here in South Jersey or the first black member of Congress from South Jersey.

This is another race where the absent county line on Democratic primary ballots may be the consequential goal.

I caught up with the Assemblyman Herb Conaway at the Delran Fire Company, where he cast his vote this morning.

The physician who spent 26 years in the legislature explains why he's the guy for the job.

I have shown that I can take on the big issues, whether it be a new school funding formula, advancing insurance access for seniors and for families in general, and dealing with issues of public safety and protecting our children.

Conaway, who has the support of the Democratic Party establishment, shared what separates him from his opponents.

Protecting access to health care, particularly women's health care as well.

I'm a physician.

I know very well that politicians have no place in the examination room.

To fighting to make sure that not only women are represented, but everyone is represented and their voice matters.

Democracy is important to me.

This year, democracy is on the ballot.

I met up with Assemblywoman Carol Murphy at her campaign headquarters in Mount Holly, where she shared why people should vote for her and accessible.

I am there for my constituency whenever they need me.

But more importantly, what's next step is I work very well, both sides of the aisle.

I'm the right fit.

Besides the fact of being a woman, by the way, I am a woman.

I bring the right I believe I bring that right attitude to D.C., something that's going to continue fighting, something that's going to bring tenacity and is not going to go along to get along and worry about making sure that everybody likes me.

But people know how important experiences in their everyday lives.

You don't ask someone to build a house who's never built one.

You don't ask someone to go to Congress who hasn't passed major legislation at a time when we need a Congress to work and focus on the needs of the American people.

I just I think if you're in an office for that period of time and you're still trying to advance somewhere, you're not putting the whole effort into it.

And I know he's a good doctor, so this question is, is that why you go into Congress, be better than doctoring if your true passion is service to others?

And when it comes to the apps and county line endorsement, Murphy feels it could pose more of a threat to her front runner opponent.

Line or no line, Conaway is confident his experience is all he needs to claim.

Victory For NJ Spotlight News.

I'm Raven Santana.