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Tight Race in New Jersey House Democratic Primary
Former Congressman Tom Malinowski and Analilia Mejia, ex-Sanders staffer, vie for Democratic nomination
Feb. 5, 2026 at 10:55pm
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A former U.S. Representative and a onetime political director for Senator Bernie Sanders are locked in a tight race to become the Democratic nominee for a New Jersey House seat that was vacated when Mikie Sherrill was elected governor. Tom Malinowski, who served two terms in the House before losing reelection in 2022, is facing off against Analilia Mejia, who has Sanders' endorsement as well as that of Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Why it matters
This special primary election will determine who serves the remainder of Sherrill's term, which ends in January. The winner will then face the Republican nominee, Randolph Mayor Joe Hathaway, in a special general election in April. The outcome could shift the balance of power in the House of Representatives.
The details
Malinowski started election night with a significant lead over Mejia based on early mail-in ballot results, but the margin narrowed as in-person votes were counted. The two candidates were the top finishers, well ahead of the next-closest contenders Brendan Gill and Tahesha Way. Both Malinowski and Mejia have high-profile endorsements, with Malinowski backed by Senator Andy Kim and Mejia supported by Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez.
- The special primary election was held on February 6, 2026.
- The special general election is scheduled for April 16, 2026.
The players
Tom Malinowski
A former U.S. Representative who served two terms before losing reelection in 2022. He has the endorsement of New Jersey Democratic Senator Andy Kim.
Analilia Mejia
A former political director for Senator Bernie Sanders' 2020 presidential campaign, and a former deputy director of the women's bureau at the U.S. Department of Labor. She has the endorsement of Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Randolph Mayor Joe Hathaway
The Republican nominee who was unopposed in the primary and will face the Democratic winner in the special general election.
What’s next
The Democratic nominee will face Republican Randolph Mayor Joe Hathaway in the special general election on April 16, 2026.
The takeaway
This tight race between a former Congressman and a progressive activist highlights the ongoing ideological divisions within the Democratic Party, and the high stakes of this special election to fill a House seat vacated by the election of a Democratic governor.
