Overview
- Former Rep. Tom Malinowski conceded after days of counting, with Mejia leading by roughly 900 votes in a crowded Democratic field.
- United Democracy Project, linked to AIPAC, spent about $2–$2.3 million on ads against Malinowski; he blamed the “dishonest” spots and vowed to oppose AIPAC-backed candidates in June.
- Mejia, a former national political director for Bernie Sanders, was endorsed by Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the Working Families Party and several unions.
- Top New Jersey Democrats including Gov. Mikie Sherrill, Sen. Cory Booker and Sen. Andy Kim backed Mejia, while Assemblywoman Rosaura Bagolie is considering a June primary challenge.
- The April 16 special winner will serve the remainder of Sherrill’s term, the House stands narrowly divided at 218–214, and Democrats are favored in a district Harris won by nearly 9 points in 2024.