Malinowski concedes to Mejia in Democratic US House special primary in New Jersey

Longtime progressive activist Analilia Mejia defeats former congressman Tom Malinowski in crowded Democratic primary race.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Former congressman Tom Malinowski has conceded to Analilia Mejia, a longtime progressive activist and former political director for Sen. Bernie Sanders, in the crowded Democratic primary for New Jersey's U.S. House special election. The special election is being held to fill the seat vacated when Mikie Sherrill stepped down to become governor. Mejia, who had the endorsement of Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, will face Republican Joe Hathaway in the April 16 general election.

Why it matters

This race highlights the ongoing ideological battle within the Democratic Party, with progressive candidates like Mejia challenging more moderate establishment figures like Malinowski. The outcome could signal a shift in the party's direction in this swing district, which has trended more Democratic in recent years.

The details

Mejia, a 48-year-old former director of the Working Families Alliance in New Jersey, is a well-known progressive advocate in state politics. She served as Sanders' political director during his 2020 presidential run and as deputy director of the Labor Department's Women's Bureau under President Joe Biden. Malinowski, a former congressman, conceded the race to Mejia after she overtook him by a narrow margin on election night. The Associated Press has not yet called the race, as some mail-in ballots are still being processed.

  • The special election is being held to fill the seat vacated when Mikie Sherrill stepped down to become governor.
  • The Democratic primary election was held on February 10, 2026.
  • The general election is scheduled for April 16, 2026.

The players

Analilia Mejia

A longtime progressive activist and former political director for Sen. Bernie Sanders, Mejia is the winner of the Democratic primary for New Jersey's U.S. House special election.

Tom Malinowski

A former congressman, Malinowski conceded the Democratic primary race to Mejia.

Mikie Sherrill

The incumbent U.S. Representative who stepped down to become governor of New Jersey.

Joe Hathaway

The Republican nominee who will face Mejia in the April 16 general election.

Bernie Sanders

The independent U.S. Senator from Vermont who endorsed Mejia in the Democratic primary.

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What they’re saying

“I look forward to supporting her in the April general election.”

— Tom Malinowski, Former Congressman (ksgf.com)

What’s next

The general election between Analilia Mejia and Joe Hathaway is scheduled for April 16, 2026.

The takeaway

This race highlights the ongoing ideological battle within the Democratic Party, with progressive candidates like Mejia challenging more moderate establishment figures. The outcome could signal a shift in the party's direction in this swing district, which has trended more Democratic in recent years.