Mejia Leads Supporters to Early Voting on a Cold Day

Analilia Mejia kicks off early voting for the CD-11 special primary with a march to the polls.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 2:39pm

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Analilia Mejia, a progressive candidate in the CD-11 special primary, led a group of supporters from a local coffee shop to the town hall to cast their early votes on the first day of early voting. Mejia used the occasion to rally her base, highlighting the need for bold action to overcome challenges facing the country, drawing comparisons to the civil rights movement.

Why it matters

The CD-11 special primary to fill Mikie Sherrill's House seat has drawn a crowded field of 11 candidates, with Mejia positioning herself as the progressive alternative to establishment Democrats like Brendan Gill and Tom Malinowski. Mejia's early voting push is part of her strategy to energize her base and gain an edge in the race.

The details

Mejia gave a pep talk to her supporters at a local coffee shop, urging them to vote early so they would have more time to campaign and phone bank before election day. She framed the current political climate as a continuation of the fight against injustice, drawing parallels to the civil rights movement. Mejia is running as a progressive outsider against well-funded opponents with establishment backing.

  • The CD-11 special primary election is scheduled for February 5, 2026.
  • Early voting began on January 29, 2026, the day of Mejia's event.

The players

Analilia Mejia

A progressive candidate in the CD-11 special primary, running to the left of establishment Democrats like Brendan Gill and Tom Malinowski.

Brendan Gill

A prominent Democratic candidate in the CD-11 special primary, considered one of the frontrunners.

Tom Malinowski

A former Congressman and Democratic candidate in the CD-11 special primary, facing attacks from Mejia's campaign over a 2019 House vote.

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What they’re saying

“That's what our campaign is about.”

— Analilia Mejia, Candidate

“She's clean.”

— Anonymous woman, Voter

What’s next

Malinowski has an event planned for Thursday evening in Morristown with Congressman Jason Crow of Colorado, who has campaigned with Mikie Sherrill in the past.

The takeaway

Mejia's early voting push and progressive messaging highlight the ideological divisions within the Democratic party, as she seeks to energize her base against more establishment-backed candidates like Gill and Malinowski in the crowded CD-11 special primary.