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Too close to call? Mejia leads Malinowski in special 11th District Democratic primary

Malinowski's early lead narrowed, leaving him behind Mejia as the primary count continued.

Too close to call? Mejia leads Malinowski in special 11th District Democratic primary
Image · Morristown Green

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Outlet credibilityMorristown Green66/100 MEDIUM
This article1 analysis · Oct 10, 2026
tl;dr

Analilia Mejia led Tom Malinowski by 486 votes in the 11th District special Democratic primary, with about 91% of ballots counted, but the race remained too close to call. The winner will face Republican Joe Hathaway in the April 16 special election.

Community verdict

VOTING CLOSED
How does this story look for
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

People in this story

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

Democratic candidate trailing in the special primary

PRIMARY SUBJECT
Analilia Mejia
D · NJ-11

Democratic candidate leading the special primary

Mejia's version of this story ↗

Democratic candidate and Passaic County commissioner

Andy Kim
D · NJ · SEN

Senator from New Jersey; endorsed Malinowski

Republican candidate for the 11th District seat

Bernie Sanders
I · VT · SEN

Senator from Vermont; Mejia previously worked on his campaign

Democratic candidate and Essex County commissioner

Democratic candidate and former lieutenant governor

Mikie Sherrill
Former U.S. Representative (D-NJ)

Governor of New Jersey; former holder of the 11th District seat

Representative from New Jersey

Representative from New York; supporter of Mejia

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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