Overview
- Former Rep. Tom Malinowski conceded on Feb. 10 and congratulated Analilia Mejia, confirming her narrow win in a race that remained uncalled by some outlets.
- Mejia will face Republican Joe Hathaway on April 16 in a district that favored Democrats in recent elections, making her the early favorite.
- United Democracy Project, an AIPAC‑aligned super PAC, spent about $2.3 million against Malinowski; he condemned the group’s role and warned of more influence in the June primary.
- Backed by national progressives including Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez, Mejia ran as a grassroots insurgent on policies like abolishing ICE and canceling student debt.
- Early projections and a DNC congratulatory message for Malinowski were retracted as Election Day votes lifted Mejia, with strong showings in Essex and day‑of totals in Morris and Passaic.