NPR: New Jersey Democratic Primary Remains Unresolved in Early Count
In an unfolding political race, the New Jersey Democratic primary remains unresolved following an initial count of ballots. This special primary was triggered by the vacancy left after Mikie Sherill’s election as governor.
Key Candidates and Election Details
The contest features two prominent contenders: former U.S. Representative Tom Malinowski and Analilia Mejia, a political figure endorsed by Senator Bernie Sanders. As the counting began, Malinowski held a significant early lead, primarily due to mail-in ballot results.
- Tom Malinowski: Former Congressman, served two terms, lost re-election in 2022.
- Analilia Mejia: Former political director for Sanders, head of the Working Families Alliance.
Current Vote Count and Process
As of the latest updates, Mejia led Malinowski by a narrow margin of 486 votes, representing less than 1% of the approximately 61,000 votes counted. Although Mejia’s lead reflects counted day-of-vote ballots, there are still many mail-in ballots from all three counties that remain unprocessed.
Notably, mail-in ballots postmarked by election day are allowed to arrive up to Wednesday following the election, keeping the final result in suspense.
Endorsements and Support
Both candidates received endorsements that bolster their campaigns. Mejia boasts backing from progressive leaders, including congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. In contrast, Malinowski has the support of Senator Andy Kim, a prominent figure within the New Jersey Democratic landscape.
Competitors and Election Timeline
Malinowski and Mejia substantially surpassed other hopefuls, such as Brendan Gill and Tahesha Way, indicating a strong two-candidate race. The upcoming primary victor will face Joe Hathaway, who ran unopposed in the Republican primary, in the general election set for April 16.
| Candidate | Background | Endorsements |
|---|---|---|
| Tom Malinowski | Former Congressman | Senator Andy Kim |
| Analilia Mejia | Former head of Working Families Alliance | Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez |
The New Jersey Democratic primary serves as a crucial contest. It will determine who fills the remainder of Sherill’s term, ending in January. Additionally, a regular primary is scheduled for June, followed by a general election in November for the next two-year term.
Notably, Sherill has held the district, shifting it from tradition to a more competitive Democratic stronghold since her election in 2018, reflecting changes in voter sentiment during Trump’s presidency.
