Tom Malinowski Bows Out to Analilia Mejia in N.J. Primary for Sherrill's House Seat

In a decisive moment for New Jersey politics, former Congressman Tom Malinowski has officially conceded the special election for the 11th Congressional District, a seat previously held by Governor Mikie Sherrill.

Malinowski, one of eleven candidates vying for the Democratic nomination, found himself in a tight race against Analilia Mejia, who ultimately emerged with a narrow lead.

Mejia is set to address her supporters at a news conference later today, marking a significant milestone in her campaign.

"I congratulate Analilia Mejia on her hard-won victory in the NJ-11 special primary. I look forward to supporting her in the April general election. It is essential that we send a Democrat to Washington to fill this seat, not a rubber stamp for Donald Trump," Malinowski stated in his concession speech. "I am proud of the joyful and substantive campaign my team and I ran, and am immensely grateful to the volunteers and staff who made it possible."

The Democratic primary attracted a diverse group of candidates, all aiming for the nomination in a district that spans parts of Morris, Essex, and Passaic Counties.

On April 16, Mejia will face off against Republican Joe Hathaway, the mayor of Randolph, in what promises to be a competitive general election.

Mejia's political experience includes working for Senator Bernie Sanders during his 2020 presidential campaign, and she has garnered endorsements from both Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Governor Mikie Sherrill expressed her support for Mejia, stating, "I've known Analilia for years — I've seen her dedication to expanding opportunity and fighting for working people. I know she will be a great partner in Congress whether it is fighting for the Gateway Tunnel or to protect our Constitutional rights," via social media.

Senator Cory Booker also congratulated Mejia, emphasizing that the district "deserves a representative who will stand up against the harm Trump and Republicans are doing to our state."

"I saw the grassroots energy up close when I campaigned with her. This moment is seismic because it proves, again, that when we bet on everyday people, everyday people win," Representative Adriano Espaillat remarked. "The people spoke—and they moved the ground beneath our politics."

Espaillat further praised Mejia as a "proven progressive who has done the work," highlighting her commitment to the community and progressive values.