In November 2009, published reports indicated Runyan was interested in running for Congress. On November 24, 2009, Runyan announced his congressional bid to challenge one-term Democratic incumbent John Adler for , which included parts of Burlington, Camden and Ocean Counties. Libertarian nominee Russ Conger and Your Country Again nominee Lawrence J. Donahue were also running. Even though he now played for the Chargers, he maintained a home in Mount Laurel, across the Delaware River from Philadelphia. On March 7, 2010, the Ocean County Republicans endorsed Runyan. On June 8, Runyan won the Republican nomination.