Former Congressman Malinowski Wins NJ House Primary

Malinowski projected to take vacant seat in commuter-heavy 11th District

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Former Congressman Tom Malinowski is projected to win the Democratic primary for the vacant House seat in New Jersey's 11th Congressional District, which encompasses the liberal-leaning suburbs of Montclair as well as more moderate and conservative areas further from Newark and New York City.

Why it matters

The 11th District race was hotly contested, as the seat was previously held by Mikie Sherrill, who became New Jersey's governor last month. Malinowski's victory sets him up as the favorite to win the general election in this commuter-heavy suburban district.

The details

Malinowski, a former Obama administration official, defeated a crowded field of Democratic candidates to secure the nomination. The 11th District includes Sherrill's hometown of Montclair as well as wealthy enclaves like Millburn and Chatham, along with more moderate and conservative areas further from the major cities.

  • Malinowski is projected to win the Democratic primary on February 6, 2026.
  • The previous representative, Mikie Sherrill, became New Jersey's governor last month.

The players

Tom Malinowski

A former Obama administration official who is projected to win the Democratic primary for the vacant House seat in New Jersey's 11th Congressional District.

Mikie Sherrill

The previous representative of the 11th District, who became New Jersey's governor last month.

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The takeaway

Malinowski's victory in the Democratic primary sets him up as the favorite to win the general election in this commuter-heavy suburban district, which has trended more liberal in recent years despite including some more conservative areas.