Former US Rep Malinowski Concedes to Progressive Challenger in NJ Primary

Analilia Mejia, a Sanders campaign alum, prevailed over Malinowski in a close race for the Democratic nomination.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Former U.S. Representative Tom Malinowski conceded the Democratic primary race in New Jersey's 11th Congressional District to Analilia Mejia, a progressive challenger backed by leading left-wing politicians. Mejia, the national political director for Bernie Sanders' 2020 presidential campaign, narrowly defeated Malinowski by nearly 900 votes. Mejia will now be the favorite to win the April 16 special election and fill the vacant House seat previously held by moderate Democrat Mikie Sherrill.

Why it matters

The race highlighted the ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party between moderates and progressives. Mejia's victory is a win for the party's left flank, which has been gaining momentum in recent election cycles. The outcome could also impact the balance of power in the House, where Republicans currently hold a slim majority.

The details

Mejia, who ran as a progressive outsider, prevailed over 10 other Democrats in the crowded primary field. A pro-Israel super PAC spent $2.3 million opposing Malinowski, who had said he would not rule out placing conditions on foreign aid to Israel. Other top candidates included former Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way and Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill.

  • The Democratic primary election was held on February 9, 2026.
  • Malinowski conceded the race to Mejia on February 10, 2026.

The players

Analilia Mejia

A progressive Democrat who previously served as the national political director for Bernie Sanders' 2020 presidential campaign. She won the Democratic nomination in New Jersey's 11th Congressional District.

Tom Malinowski

The former U.S. Representative for New Jersey's 11th Congressional District, who was defeated by Mejia in the Democratic primary.

Mikie Sherrill

The moderate Democrat who previously held the House seat in New Jersey's 11th Congressional District, before being elected governor in November 2025.

Joe Hathaway

The Republican nominee who ran unopposed for the GOP nomination in New Jersey's 11th Congressional District special election.

Bernie Sanders

The U.S. Senator whose 2020 presidential campaign Mejia worked on as national political director.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It is essential that we send a Democrat to Washington to fill this seat, not a rubber stamp for (President Donald) Trump.”

— Tom Malinowski, Former U.S. Representative (ksgf.com)

“Analilia deserves unequivocal praise and credit for running a positive campaign and for inspiring so many voters on Election Day.”

— Tom Malinowski, Former U.S. Representative (ksgf.com)

What’s next

Mejia will face Republican nominee Joe Hathaway in the April 16 special election to serve the remainder of Mikie Sherrill's term through early 2027. If Mejia is elected in April, she will be on the ballot again for the state's June 2 primary to be the Democratic nominee in the general election for a full two-year term.

The takeaway

Mejia's victory in the Democratic primary highlights the growing influence of progressives within the party, and could impact the balance of power in the House if she wins the special election in April. The race also underscores the ongoing tensions between moderates and the party's left flank.