New Jersey Democrats are coalescing behind Analilia Mejia, the winner of Thursday’s special primary election to replace Gov. Mikie Sherrill in Congress. But that term expires Jan. 3 and Mejia could face a party challenge for a full two-year term in the June election.
Mejia, a former political director for U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) who endorsed her, won the 11th District special primary election with less than 30% of about 64,000 votes cast by Democrats.
As of Tuesday Mejia leads Tom Malinowski by 1.4% with ballots still being counted.
“I’m so excited to be able to say we did it,” said Mejia, surrounded by supporters in Montclair Tuesday. “The lesson coming out of this race is people power can win.”
Although The Associated Press has not called the race, Malinowski conceded Tuesday and said he looked forward “supporting her in the April general election.” Malinowski, at former congressman from the neighboring 7th District, did not say he would back Mejia for a full term, nor did he rule out running himself in the regular June primary.
Mejia, of Glen Ridge, beat a dozen other Democrats on the special primary ballot and establishment Democrats had seen the race as a contest between Malinowski and Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill, who finished fourth.
She faces Republican Joe Hathaway, the mayor of Randolph, who was unopposed, and independent Alan Bond in the special general election April 16. The district, which includes parts of Essex, Morris and Passaic counties, was drawn to favor a Democratic candidate.
The primary for the full two-year term that begins next January will be held in June. The filing deadline is March 23.
Over the last few days, a number of Democratic officials have backed Mejia, including Sherrill, U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Democratic State Chairman LeRoy Jones, three Democratic House members and three of her opponents in the special primary election. But while they have endorsed her for the April special election, it’s not clear if they are also backing her for the full term.
Malinowski’s concession statement gave indications he may run for the full term. He complained about the $2.3 million the American Israel Public Affairs Committee funneled through its dark money group for ads that he said distorted his record and his positions, blaming them for his loss.
“If AIPAC backs a candidate — openly or surreptitiously — in the June NJ-11 Congressional primary, I will oppose that candidate and urge my supporters to do so as well,” Malinowski said in his statement. His campaign declined to elaborate.
Mejia acknowledged that the attack ads against Malinowski “did play a role” in her win, but bristled at the suggestion that it was the reason for her victory. She said that she and her supporters knocked on 100,000 doors and made 300,000 phone calls as part of “hard work connecting with people” to win.
At least one other Democrat is considering a run in the June primary. Assemblywoman Rosy Bagolie (D-Essex) told Politico NJ she might run because Mejia might be too progressive for the district’s largely suburban voters.
Mejia discounted that contention in her remarks Tuesday.
“People will say that this district is not the kind of district which a progressive of leftie can win,” Mejia said. “But it’s not about left or right. It’s about right and wrong.”
— John Mooney contributed reporting for this story.
