POLITICS

Progressive Analilia Mejia Wins New Jersey Democratic Primary

PUBLISHED Feb 10, 2026, 12:42 PM ET

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TRENTON, N.J. — Former congressman Tom Malinowski conceded Tuesday to Analilia Mejia in the Democratic special primary to fill the U.S. House seat vacated by Mikie Sherrill. Mejia, a progressive activist and former Sanders director, overtook Malinowski by a narrow, widening margin as mail-in ballots were counted. The Associated Press had not called the contest when Malinowski issued a statement congratulating Mejia and pledging support. Campaigns drew attention over independent spending, including attack ads tied to an AIPAC-linked super PAC. Mejia will face Republican Joe Hathaway in the April 16 general election. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By James Porter | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Mikie Sherrill wins New Jersey governor’s race and vacates her U.S. House seat.
Early February special Democratic primary held to choose a nominee for NJ-11.
Election night results showed a close count with mail-in ballots pending.
Analilia Mejia overtook Tom Malinowski as additional mail-in ballots were counted.
Tom Malinowski conceded and pledged to support Mejia ahead of the April general election.

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Articles Published:: 8
Right Leaning:: 0
Left Leaning:: 1
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Who Benefited

Analilia Mejia and allied progressive organizers benefited by securing the Democratic primary nomination and demonstrating effective grassroots outreach, positioning her for the April special general election in a heavily Democratic district.

Who Impacted

Tom Malinowski and independent expenditure groups that funded attack ads, including organizations linked to AIPAC, suffered electoral setbacks as he conceded the primary and those investments failed to secure his nomination.

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