MAPLEWOOD / TRENTON, N.J. — Progressive organizer Analilia Mejia has emerged as the winner of the Democratic special primary in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District, defeating former U.S. Rep. Tom Malinowski in a closely watched and nationally significant contest.

Malinowski conceded the race after results showed Mejia holding a narrow but steady lead, even as remaining ballots were still being counted. The outcome marks a major upset in a district long viewed as a stronghold for establishment Democrats and signals growing strength for the party’s progressive wing in suburban New Jersey.

Mejia will advance to the April 16 special general election, where she is expected to face Republican nominee Joe Hathaway, who ran unopposed in the GOP primary. The special election was triggered after Rep. Mikie Sherrill vacated the seat following her successful run for governor.

Who Is Analilia Mejia?

Mejia is a nationally known progressive political organizer with experience both inside and outside government. She previously served as national political director for Bernie Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign and later worked at the U.S. Department of Labor during the Biden administration.

Unlike many recent congressional candidates in New Jersey, Mejia does not come from an elected office background. Her campaign emphasized grassroots organizing, small-dollar fundraising, and volunteer-driven voter turnout rather than traditional party machinery.

What She Stands For

Throughout the campaign, Mejia focused heavily on economic fairness and affordability, framing her platform around what she described as an economy that no longer works for working families. Her policy priorities include:

• Universal healthcare, including support for Medicare for All
• Universal childcare and expanded paid family leave
• Stronger labor protections and guaranteed paid sick leave
• Higher taxes on billionaires and large corporations
• Breaking up monopolies and increased corporate regulation
• Limiting private equity and corporate ownership of housing
• Oversight of large technology companies and energy-intensive data centers
• Continued federal investment in major regional infrastructure projects

Her message resonated with voters concerned about rising housing costs, healthcare expenses, and economic inequality across northern New Jersey.

How the Upset Happened

Mejia’s victory came despite facing a well-known opponent with prior congressional experience. She benefited from strong backing among progressive voters and endorsements from national progressive leaders, which helped her mobilize volunteers and build momentum late in the race.

The primary also highlighted growing internal divisions within the Democratic Party, particularly around campaign finance, the role of outside political spending, and ideological direction. As a result, the NJ-11 race became one of the most closely watched Democratic primaries of the 2026 cycle.

What This Means for New Jersey

Political observers say Mejia’s win could signal a shift in Democratic politics within New Jersey, especially in suburban districts that have traditionally favored more moderate candidates. The result suggests that a growing segment of Democratic voters is open to candidates advocating structural economic reforms and challenging entrenched political interests.

If elected in April, Mejia would likely align with the progressive caucus in Congress and play a role in shaping debates on healthcare, housing, labor rights, and corporate regulation.

Nationally, the special election carries added importance as control of the U.S. House remains closely divided, making the NJ-11 seat strategically significant for both parties.

What Comes Next

Voters in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District will return to the polls on April 16 for the special general election. Regardless of the outcome, Mejia’s primary victory is already being viewed as one of the earliest and most consequential political developments of the 2026 election cycle.

Sources

Associated Press

Reuters

NJ.com

Campaign statements and public records