Close Race in NJ Special Primary as Mail-in Ballots Still in Play

In a nail-biting special primary for New Jersey’s House seat, the contest between former Congressman Tom Malinowski and political activist Analilia Mejia remained unresolved on election night. Mejia took a narrow lead as late results came in, pushing the race’s outcome closer than anticipated.

Why It Matters

This primary is crucial for both candidates as they vie to fill the vacancy left by Mikie Sherrill, who was elected governor. The outcome could influence the Democratic Party’s direction in a district that has seen shifting political loyalties, particularly since the 2016 election. The winner will face a Republican challenger in a general election that could further shape the landscape of New Jersey politics.

Key Developments

Mejia led Malinowski by just 486 votes—less than 1 percentage point—with over 61,000 ballots counted.
Results could shift further due to unprocessed mail-in ballots and those postmarked by election day.
Malinowski had a strong showing among early mail-in votes but saw his lead diminish as in-person voting results were tallied.
Democratic supporters in the district are closely watching as both candidates have significant endorsements.

Full Report

The special Democratic primary in New Jersey, ignited by the election of Mikie Sherrill as governor, witnessed a significant battle between Tom Malinowski and Analilia Mejia. As the election night unfolded, Malinowski initially reported a comfortable lead based on early mail-in ballot results. However, as the votes from the day of the primary were counted, Mejia surged ahead, claiming a slim advantage.

At last count, Mejia led with a margin of less than 1 percentage point, indicating a highly competitive race. With more than 61,000 votes tallied, Mejia had garnered 486 more votes than Malinowski. Election officials noted that several mail-in ballots remained unprocessed, and ballots that were postmarked by election day are permitted to arrive as late as the following Wednesday. This leaves the potential for the results to change as these ballots are accounted for.

Malinowski, a former U.S. Representative who served two terms until his defeat in 2022, benefited from an endorsement by fellow New Jersey Democratic Senator Andy Kim, a figure who resonates with progressive factions. Meanwhile, Mejia, who has prominent endorsements from Senator Bernie Sanders and U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, has a strong base among progressive and labor supporters. Her experience as the former head of the Working Families Alliance and her role in President Biden’s Labor Department enrich her candidate profile.

While Mejia and Malinowski lead the race, other Democratic candidates—including Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill and former Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way—trail significantly behind. The outcome of this primary, followed by the general election on April 16 against Republican Joe Hathaway, will determine who will complete Sherrill’s term, highlighting a contested seat in the upcoming electoral landscape.

Context & Previous Events

This special primary arises after Mikie Sherrill’s successful election as governor, a notable achievement in a district previously aligned with Republican candidates. Sherrill herself represented the district for four terms starting in 2018, signaling a political shift that began during Donald Trump’s presidency.