Too Close to Call in NJ Democratic House Primary

Ex-congressman trails Sanders ally by fewer than 500 votes as thousands of mail-in ballots remain uncounted

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The race in New Jersey between former U.S. Rep. Tom Malinowski and Analilia Mejia, a former political director for Sen. Bernie Sanders, is too close to call in the Democratic primary for a House seat vacated by Mikie Sherrill's election as governor. With over 61,000 votes counted, Mejia leads Malinowski by just 486 votes, or less than 1 percentage point. Thousands of mail-in ballots are still being processed, leaving the outcome uncertain.

Why it matters

This closely watched primary race could have significant implications for the balance of power in the House of Representatives, as the winner will face a Republican challenger in a special general election to fill the remainder of Sherrill's term. The contest has also highlighted the ongoing tensions between moderate and progressive factions within the Democratic Party.

The details

Malinowski, who served two terms in the House before losing his reelection bid in 2022, had the endorsement of New Jersey Democratic Sen. Andy Kim and was leading Mejia based on early mail-in ballot results. However, Mejia, who has the backing of Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, gained ground as in-person votes were tallied. The race remains too close to call, with thousands of mail-in ballots still to be processed across the three counties that make up the district.

  • The Democratic primary election was held on February 7, 2026.
  • Mail-in ballots postmarked by election day can arrive as late as Wednesday and still be counted.

The players

Tom Malinowski

Former U.S. Representative who served two terms in the House before losing his reelection bid in 2022.

Analilia Mejia

Former political director for Sen. Bernie Sanders during his 2020 presidential run, and former deputy director of the women's bureau at the U.S. Department of Labor under President Joe Biden.

Mikie Sherrill

Democratic Congresswoman who represented the district for four terms before being elected Governor of New Jersey.

Joe Hathaway

Randolph Mayor who was unopposed in the Republican primary and will face the Democratic nominee in the special general election.

Andy Kim

New Jersey Democratic Senator who endorsed Tom Malinowski in the primary.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.