Progressive Analilia Mejia Leads Tom Malinowski in Tight NJ Primary
With 91% of ballots counted on Jan. 29, 2026, Analilia Mejia led Tom Malinowski by fewer than 500 votes in New Jersey's 11th district primary.
Overview
Analilia Mejia led former Rep. Tom Malinowski by fewer than 500 votes with 91% of ballots counted as of Jan. 29, 2026, according to county vote totals in New Jersey's 11th Congressional District.
The tight result followed heavy outside spending by AIPAC-linked groups, with the United Democracy Project and affiliates spending between $2.3 million and $4 million on the contest, campaign finance filings show, a figure disputed by campaign officials.
Mejia credited grassroots organizing and endorsements from Sen. Bernie Sanders, Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at a Jan. 29, 2026 press conference, campaign spokespeople said.
The special primary drew more than 61,000 voters, a turnout higher than the June 2024 primary in the district, election records show.
Both campaigns said they would await final certified totals before conceding or pursuing post-count remedies, campaign officials and state election records said.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame UDP/AIPAC's spending as a political miscalculation, emphasizing failure and shifting Democratic skepticism. Editorial choices use evaluative verbs ('backfired,' 'upended'), prioritize progressive voices (AOC, Sanders, grassroots strategists), highlight polling trending against Israel, and foreground critic quotes—while including UDP's rebuttal mainly as source content rather than narrative balance.
Sources (16)
FAQ
Analilia Mejia leads former Rep. Tom Malinowski by fewer than 500 votes (specifically around 676 votes as of recent updates) with 91% of ballots counted.
The special primary is to fill the U.S. House seat vacated by Mikie Sherrill, who was elected governor of New Jersey.
AIPAC-linked groups, including the United Democracy Project, spent between $2.3 million and $4 million, primarily against Tom Malinowski due to his stance on Israel aid.
Mejia received endorsements from Sen. Bernie Sanders, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
The Democratic nominee will face Republican Joe Hathaway in the special general election on April 16, 2026.
History
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