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Mejia Holds Slim Lead in NJ-11 Democratic Special Primary as Count Continues

Heavy outside spending alongside high turnout reshaped a race once expected to favor the establishment.

Analilia Mejia speaks to supporters at a coffee store in Montclair, N.J., on Jan. 29. Photo: Heather Khalifa/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Analilia Mejia, co-executive director of Center for Popular Democracy, speaks outside the U.S. Capitol calling for immediate resignation of U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Clarence Thomas on April 19, 2023, in Washington, D.C.
Tom Malinkowski; Analilia Mejia

Overview

  • Latest AP figures show Analilia Mejia at 28.75% to Tom Malinowski’s 27.96% — a 486‑vote edge — with roughly 91% reported and thousands of mail and provisional ballots still uncounted under New Jersey’s postmark rules.
  • Democratic turnout surpassed the 2024 primary, and late same‑day votes reversed Malinowski’s early mail lead, prompting premature calls — including a now‑retracted DNC congratulations — before Mejia moved ahead.
  • The AIPAC‑aligned United Democracy Project spent about $2.3 million on ads targeting Malinowski, part of more than $4 million in outside spending reported in the contest; UDP said it is watching the June primary.
  • Mejia was backed by national progressives including Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez and Elizabeth Warren, while Malinowski, a former two‑term congressman, faced attacks over stock‑trade disclosures and ICE‑funding votes.
  • The eventual nominee will face Republican Joe Hathaway on April 16 in a Democratic‑leaning district, with a separate June primary set to determine the party’s candidate for the next full term.