Eleven Democrats are in the race for New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District in a special primary election this Thursday. The winner will face the only Republican candidate, Joe Hathaway, in April.
This election follows Mikie Sherrill’s resignation. She stepped down after winning the state’s gubernatorial election last November.
This primary is among the first of the year, showcasing what issues Democratic voters care about today. Here are some key points to note:
1. A Labor Activist Joins the Race
Analilia Mejia, director of New Jersey Working Families Alliance, is a prominent candidate. She has the backing of several progressive figures, like Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, and local leaders like Newark’s mayor, Ras Baraka. At a recent event, Mejia emphasized the need for strong leadership against rising authoritarianism and called for the abolition of ICE, stating, “It’s not fixable. Get it out.”
2. A Former Congressman Tries for a Comeback
Tom Malinowski, a former congressman, aims to return to politics. He has garnered support from Senator Andy Kim, who praised Malinowski’s experience in Congress. Malinowski’s past may help him in this tight race, according to Micah Rasmussen, director of the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics. He noted that in special elections, name recognition and experience play critical roles.
Besides Malinowski and Mejia, other candidates include former Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way, attorney J-L Cauvin, and several others.
3. Immigration Takes Center Stage
Recent tragic events involving ICE agents have put immigration enforcement in the spotlight. This election may reveal whether a more radical approach to immigration resonates with Democratic voters or if they favor moderate views. During a recent forum, candidates offered varying perspectives on ICE, with some advocating for its abolition while others suggested reform.
Way stated, “Budgets reflect our values,” proposing a review of ICE’s funding.
4. Broader Implications for the Region
The district has many residents who travel to New York City for work. According to Rasmussen, the upcoming general election will address issues like funding for the Gateway Tunnel project, a $16 billion infrastructure initiative that aims to better connect New Jersey and Manhattan. This project, affected by previous political events, remains a top priority for local leaders.
When Sherrill took office in 2018, she flipped a long-held Republican seat. Now, after redistricting, the district leans more Democratic, setting the stage for a potentially interesting election.
This primary not only highlights local candidates but also reflects broader themes like funding, identity politics, and regional cooperation. This contest will likely influence New Jersey’s political landscape for years to come.
