The crowded Democratic primary to succeed Democratic Gov. Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey’s 11th House District is too close to call, with progressive organizer Analilia Mejia and former Rep. Tom Malinowski neck and neck as of late Thursday night.
Mejia, the co-executive director of the Center for Popular Democracy and a former Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) staffer, narrowly led Malinowski, a well-known politician who served a nearby district from 2019 through 2023, by hundreds of votes. Malinowski had been leading the count for most of the evening, and a handful of outlets had prematurely called the race for him.
Mejia was largely outspent by her opponents, but raked in support from high-profile progressives, like Sanders, who appeared with her at a rally.
Mejia also has a long career in New Jersey politics, including executive director of the state Working Families Party and roles with the SEIU.
