TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey’s special Democratic primary is heating up. Former U.S. Rep. Tom Malinowski is locked in a tight race with Analilia Mejia, a political director who once worked for Bernie Sanders. The seat became open after Mikie Sherrill stepped down to become governor.
On election night, Malinowski had the edge early on, thanks to mail-in ballots. However, as the in-person votes were counted, Mejia surged ahead, leading by just 486 votes—less than 1%.
Counting is ongoing; more than 61,000 votes are in, but mail-in ballots can arrive late and still be processed if postmarked by election day. Though Mejia seems ahead, Malinowski performed well with early mail counts in all three counties involved, suggesting the race is still too close to call.
The winner will face Republican candidate Joe Hathaway, who had no opposition in the GOP primary. Malinowski previously served two terms in Congress but lost his re-election bid in 2022. He is supported by New Jersey Senator Andy Kim and progressive groups, while Mejia boasts endorsements from Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
The competition doesn’t end here; both candidates face several others, including Brendan Gill, an elected commissioner, and Tahesha Way, who recently stepped down as lieutenant governor.
Historically, this district leans Republican but has gradually shifted towards Democrats, especially during Trump’s presidency, making it a battleground worth watching.
As the vote count continues, opinions from political analysts suggest this election may signal broader trends in New Jersey and beyond. Recent surveys indicate that younger voters are increasingly engaged, potentially reshaping future election outcomes.
Stay tuned as election results unfold; the outcome could redefine the political landscape in New Jersey. For more about the ongoing election dynamics and trends, check trusted resources like Ballotpedia.
