Kyle Little

This candidate participated in a 2026 battleground election. Click here to read more about that election.

Kyle Little (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent New Jersey's 12th Congressional District. He lost in the Democratic primary on June 2, 2026.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

My name is Kyle Little I am a 36-year-old openly gay African American man and the owner of Isolation Fitness, which operates studios in Metuchen and Edison, New Jersey. I also serve as an adjunct college professor at Kean University. Originally from Union County, I graduated from Linden High School in 2006, and I earned my master’s degree from Montclair State University in 2014. I am running for Congress with the goal of rebranding and bringing change to the Democratic Party by advocating for better justice, equality, and rights for all Americans. If elected, he would become the first Black openly gay man to serve in Congress from the state of New Jersey.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

A Fighter Against Fascism

I believe the Democratic Party is missing one crucial element right now — the willingness to fight back against fascism of MAGA Republicans, with strength and clarity. I will be that fighter, ready to stand up against extremism and defend our democracy.Stronger Voices, Stronger Messaging

We need more leaders who can clearly and fearlessly communicate our values. I will bring bold, unapologetic messaging that inspires people, counters misinformation, and builds trust in the Democratic Party. We also need younger, more passionate voices. Right now, 31 Democrats in the House of Representatives are over 75 years old. The Party needs fresh energy and perspective to help lift its approval rating, which currently sits at just 27%.Breaking Barriers for Justice and Equality

As a 36-year-old openly gay African American man, small business owner, and college professor, I know what it means to work hard and fight for fairness. If elected, I will make history as the first Black openly gay man to serve in Congress from New Jersey — and I will use that platform to champion justice, equality, and opportunity for all Americans.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Education and Honest History

I am committed to strengthening our education system and ensuring that students learn the full, unfiltered truth about American history. Understanding our past is essential to building a better future.

Women’s Reproductive Rights and Maternal Health

I am deeply passionate about protecting women’s reproductive rights, with a special focus on addressing the alarming maternal mortality rate among Black women in New Jersey, who die during childbirth at seven times the rate of white women.

LGBTQIA+ Rights

With the Supreme Court being asked to reverse same-sex marriage, I am committed to defending and advancing LGBTQIA+ rights. As a gay married man who relies on my husband’s health insurance, these rights are

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

One of my greatest inspirations is Bayard Rustin: an openly gay Black man who served as a trusted advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and was the chief architect of the historic March on Washington, the largest demonstration in United States history at the time, drawing over 250,000 people. As an openly gay Black man running for Congress, I pay homage to Rustin’s courage and vision. I will always share his story and legacy with the American people, because he paved the way for countless minorities to gain the rights and freedoms we have today. His life reminds us that true progress is built on the shoulders of those willing to stand boldly for justice; even when the world is not ready to accept them.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

I believe elected officials must demonstrate true leadership and a willingness to fight for their constituents.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibility of this office is to vote in the best interest of the people, not the party. Be there to assist Mayors, Councilmen and other leaders in your district.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want to leave a legacy built on truth, honesty, and always doing what’s right for the people. As an educator, small business owner, and a Black openly gay man, I understand firsthand the importance of standing up for marginalized communities.

By fighting for them, and for all the people of my district — I hope to leave behind a legacy rooted in righteousness, service, and the unwavering belief that leadership means putting people first.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The first major historical event I remember in my lifetime was the attack on September 11, 2001. I was in 8th grade, and I can still picture classmates being called out of school early as the news spread. There was a heaviness in the air: a sadness that seemed to blanket the entire country.

For me, the moment felt even more surreal because it came just a few weeks after the tragic death of R&B singer Aaliyah in a plane crash. Experiencing those two events so close together at a young age left a lasting impression on me about the fragility of life and the way sudden tragedy can unite people in grief.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was a Pinho's Bakery in Roselle, NJ. I started working there at the age of 15 and I left at age 18, when I went off to college at Montclair State University.

What is your favorite book? Why?

My favorite book is Letters to a Young Brother by Hill Harper. I first read it as an 18-year-old freshman in college, right at the point in my life when I was stepping into adulthood and learning to navigate the challenges and responsibilities that come with it. The book guided me toward making better choices, staying focused on my goals, and maturing into the person I was meant to be.

It also inspired me to get involved in organizations, serve my community, and embrace the leadership qualities I had within me. Hill Harper’s words reminded me that our paths are shaped by the values we choose to live by — and they helped shape mine.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

One of the biggest struggles in my life was growing up with divorced parents. My parents separated when I was just five years old, and from that point on, my family expanded in different directions. My father remarried and later divorced again, while my mother had another child — my little sister, Destiny, who has always been a great blessing in my life.

The divorce was difficult, especially as a child. I had to split my time between two homes, navigating birthdays and holidays in a way that often made me feel like a piece being passed back and forth. There were times I felt caught in the middle, but I was fortunate to have the unwavering love and support of both my parents.

That experience taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of cherishing family, no matter how it’s shaped. It also gave me a deep understanding of how life’s challenges can make us stronger and more compassionate toward others.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The House of Representatives plays a unique and vital role in our democracy because it can hold the executive branch more accountable. As the lower house of Congress, it serves as an equal branch of government with the power to represent the people directly.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

Although I do not have prior political experience, I see that as an advantage rather than a liability. Too many career politicians have stayed in office for decades, becoming complicit and content.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

One of the greatest challenges facing the United States today is overcoming the rise of fascism that has infiltrated our government.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

I believe the two-year term length for Representatives is appropriate because it allows voters to hold them accountable quickly if they fail to represent their constituents effectively.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I strongly support term limits — no one should serve in Congress for more than 24 years: 12 terms in the House or 4 terms in the Senate. Long-term incumbency often leads to complacency and detachment from the needs of everyday Americans.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

The current member of Congress I most admire is Representative Jasmine Crockett, because she is unapologetically committed to the fight for justice and equality. I would say that I am the "male version" of her.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

While I believe compromise has its place in politics, there can be no compromise with MAGA Republicans, who are driven by self-interest and the demands of the wealthiest among us, with no concern for the well-being of the nation.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Laboratories of Democracy

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

I have many accomplishments that I’m proud of — earning my master’s degree in 2014, serving as the undergraduate representative for my fraternity, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Incorporated, from 2010 to 2011; but the one that means the most to me is opening my fitness studio, Isolation Fitness.

I built that studio entirely on my own, with no outside help, after working in numerous gyms across the state of New Jersey. Today, Isolation Fitness has grown to two physical locations. Even now, it’s still a little surreal to drive by and see my name and logo on the front of those stores — a constant reminder of hard work paying off.