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● InformationalElections / Campaigns

A US House special election in New Jersey becomes a Democratic testing ground

Malinowski was close behind Mejia, and his campaign said it remained confident as ballots were counted.

A US House special election in New Jersey becomes a Democratic testing ground
Image · CNN

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This article1 analysis · Oct 10, 2026
CNN
Feb 5, 2026
tl;dr

Analilia Mejia narrowly led former Rep. Tom Malinowski in New Jersey’s 11th District Democratic special primary, but the outcome remained unresolved as mail ballots awaited counting. The winner will face Republican Joe Hathaway in the general election.

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VOTING CLOSED
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Tom Malinowski Former U.S. Representative (D-NJ)
NOT RATEDCLOSED

No good or bad look here

This story reports what happened without casting Malinowski in a good or bad light, so readers don’t rate it and it doesn’t count toward Malinowski’s record.

● INFORMATIONAL

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Tom Malinowski
Former U.S. Representative (D-NJ)

Democratic candidate in the New Jersey 11th District special primary

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Analilia Mejia
D · NJ-11

Democratic candidate in the New Jersey 11th District special primary

Mejia's version of this story ↗

Republican candidate for the general election

Bernie Sanders
I · VT · SEN

Vermont senator who endorsed Mejia

Democratic candidate trailing the two leading candidates

Democratic candidate trailing the two leading candidates

Kamala Harris
Former U.S. Senator (D-CA)

Former vice president referenced in the district’s 2024 vote

Part of a bigger story

8 OUTLETS
Mejia Leads Malinowski in New Jersey 11th District Democratic Primary

Outlets agree that Analilia Mejia narrowly led former U.S. Representative Tom Malinowski in the New Jersey 11th District Democratic special primary, which remained unresolved as ballots were counted. Center outlets mostly emphasize the close count and outstanding ballots, with some placing the race in a wider debate over Democratic party organizations and the party’s direction. Right-leaning outlets also focus on the narrow lead, while drawing attention to candidate backing and institutional support.

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