Ex-Rep. Tom Malinowski concedes special House Dem primary in NJ

Malinowski was favored to win but faced heavy attack ad spending

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Former Rep. Tom Malinowski (D-NJ) has conceded defeat to Analilia Mejia in a special Democratic primary upset for the nomination to replace Gov. Mikie Sherrill in the House of Representatives. Malinowski was the subject of heavy spending on attack ads, including from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Mejia, a former top adviser to Sen. Bernie Sanders' 2020 presidential campaign who is endorsed by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), will face Republican Joe Hathaway in the April 16 special election.

Why it matters

This upset primary victory by a progressive challenger over a more moderate Democratic incumbent highlights the ongoing tensions within the party between establishment and progressive factions. The outcome could have implications for the balance of power in the House of Representatives.

The details

Malinowski was favored to win the Feb. 5 race for the nomination, but faced a barrage of attack ads, some of which were funded by AIPAC. Mejia, who has the backing of high-profile progressives like AOC, ran a campaign focused on issues like climate change, healthcare, and economic inequality.

  • Malinowski conceded defeat on February 10, 2026.
  • The special Democratic primary election was held on February 5, 2026.
  • The special general election is scheduled for April 16, 2026.

The players

Tom Malinowski

Former Democratic Congressman from New Jersey's 11th district.

Analilia Mejia

Progressive challenger who won the Democratic primary and will face the Republican nominee in the special general election.

Mikie Sherrill

Former Democratic Congresswoman from New Jersey's 11th district, who resigned to become Governor of New Jersey.

Joe Hathaway

Republican nominee who will face Mejia in the special general election.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Democratic Congresswoman from New York's 14th district, who endorsed Mejia.

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What they’re saying

“I congratulate Analilia Mejia on her hard won victory in the NJ-11 special primary. I look forward to supporting her in the April general election. It is essential that we send a Democrat to Washington to fill this seat, not a rubber stamp for Trump.”

— Tom Malinowski, Former Democratic Congressman (nypost.com)

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This upset primary victory highlights the ongoing ideological divisions within the Democratic Party, with progressive challengers seeking to unseat more moderate incumbents. The outcome of the special general election could have implications for the balance of power in the House of Representatives.