Analilia Mejia, former political director for Sen. Bernie Sanders, has emerged victorious in the special Democratic primary for the U.S. House seat vacated by Gov. Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey. Mejia prevailed over a field of 12 candidates, with former Rep. Tom Malinowski conceding the election on Tuesday after a fiercely competitive race.
The Associated Press declared Mejia the winner a week after the primary, which took place in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District, a diverse region spanning from just west of Newark into more conservative areas. This election attracted significant outside financial support, reportedly over $4 million, which included more than $2 million in attack ads targeting Malinowski from a super PAC associated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).
Responding to the influence of outside money, Malinowski expressed disappointment yet offered his support to Mejia. He remarked on how the ads affected voters’ perceptions, hinting at a shift in their views due to the misinformation propagated during the campaign.
Mejia, 48, is known for her grassroots organizing and strategic acumen. As co-founder and co-executive director of the Center for Popular Democracy, she focuses on economic and racial justice initiatives. Her political experience includes serving as national political director for Sanders during the 2020 presidential campaign and working in the Department of Labor under President Joe Biden. Mejia’s policy platform during her campaign emphasized building a robust economy, advocating for universal health care and childcare, expanding access to public college, and canceling student loan debt. Her candidacy garnered support from notable progressives, including Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Pramila Jayapal, alongside an endorsement from Sanders.
Looking ahead, Mejia is set to face Randolph Township Mayor Joe Hathaway, who ran unopposed in the Republican primary, in the special general election on April 16. The district is traditionally Democratic, as evidenced by Sherrill’s performance, securing about 56% of the vote in the 2024 election, and former Vice President Kamala Harris’s 53% against Donald Trump.
Malinowski once represented New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District before losing his re-election bid in 2022. His campaign was a focal point for pro-Israel groups, as Emmanuel advocates for moderating views amid ongoing conflicts. AIPAC’s involvement and its aggressive campaign strategy drew mixed reactions within the Democratic Party, particularly among centrists who valued Malinowski’s moderate stance.
Mejia has been vocal in her stance against the ongoing conflict in Gaza, criticizing Israel’s military actions and describing them as genocidal. Her determination and focus on progressive values reflect an evolving landscape in Democratic politics, where candidates are increasingly scrutinizing the party’s alignment with traditional allies in contentious global issues. Her victory marks a hopeful moment for progressive Democrats looking to steer the party in a more liberal direction.