Analilia Mejia Wins Democratic Primary in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District

TRENTON, N.J. – Analilia Mejia, a progressive organizer with ties to Senator Bernie Sanders, has won the Democratic primary for New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District, the Associated Press declared on Thursday, February 10, 2026. The election will fill the seat vacated by Governor Mikie Sherrill.

A Victory for the Progressive Wing

Mejia defeated former Representative Tom Malinowski in a closely contested race. She secured 29.3% of the vote compared to Malinowski’s 27.6%, according to NBC News. Malinowski conceded the race five days after the February 5th primary. The primary field included a total of 11 Democratic candidates, including Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill and former Lt. Governor Tahesha Way.

Background and Campaign Support

Mejia previously served as the national political director for Senator Bernie Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign and as deputy director of the Labor Department’s Women’s Bureau under President Joe Biden. NJ.com reported that she rallied with Sanders in January, who praised her as a “great organizer” and emphasized the need for strong advocates in Washington.

Key Issues and Campaign Dynamics

Mejia ran a campaign focused on community organizing and pledged to refuse funding from corporate and pro-Israel political action committees (PACs). NBC News noted that she was the only candidate to state that Israel is committing a genocide. Malinowski faced millions of dollars in attack ads from the United Democracy Project, a super PAC affiliated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which questioned his stance on immigration enforcement.

Looking Ahead to the General Election

Mejia will face Republican Joe Hathaway, the mayor of Randolph Township, in the April 16th special general election. The 11th Congressional District was once reliably Republican but shifted to Democratic control during President Donald Trump’s first term. The AP reported that Republicans plan to portray Mejia as too progressive for the district.

Mejia’s Reaction to Victory

Following the concession, Mejia celebrated with supporters in Montclair, stating, “I think that the lesson coming out of this race is that people power can win.” NJ.com reported she reacted to the results by posting a GIF on social media referencing a Grammy win by Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny.