The Intense Battle for New Jersey’s Democratic House Seat

In New Jersey, filling a securely Democratic House seat has ignited a fierce and costly battle among various political figures, interest groups, and heavily funded super PACs, each eager to shape the future of the Democratic Party one district at a time.

The Democratic primary to replace Governor Mikie Sherrill in Congress has attracted a diverse pool of 11 candidates from across the political spectrum. This includes a former lieutenant governor, an ex-congressman, a grassroots activist, and several local politicians. The race has seen nearly $6 million in spending from outside groups and numerous endorsements from influential figures with stakes in who will next represent this North Jersey district.

The victor of this primary stands to potentially hold a significant position within the Democratic caucus in the House, representing a district that Kamala Harris won by 9 points in 2024. The winner could also pursue higher office in the future, following in Sherrill’s footsteps.

This scenario is reflective of the dynamics at play in numerous open primaries across the nation during this midterm election year. Voters in the district, eager to voice their preferences, feel empowered by the opportunity to elect a representative who truly mirrors their values and concerns, according to Mara Novak and Judy Kelly, co-executive directors of the grassroots organization NJ 11th For Change.

“In our district, especially during these bleak national times, people are thinking, ‘Hold on, we can elect someone who truly represents us,’” Kelly remarked.

Among the candidates leading the fundraising efforts are former Rep. Tom Malinowski, progressive activist Analilia Mejia, Essex County commissioner Brendan Gill, Passaic County commissioner John Bartlett, and former Army paratrooper Zach Beecher. As the polls close at 8 p.m. ET Thursday, the Democratic primary victor will face Republican Joe Hathaway, who runs unchallenged for his nomination.

Malinowski has been central in much of the advertising, both from supporters and detractors. Notably, the United Democracy Project (UDP), a super PAC affiliated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), has invested close to $2.3 million in a campaign opposing Malinowski, citing his stance on conditions for U.S. aid to Israel as a reason for their opposition.

An ad by Gill accused Malinowski of financially benefiting from the Covid pandemic. Meanwhile, Malinowski’s campaign has been buoyed by more than $700,000 from The 218 Project super PAC, alongside over $1.6 million raised independently—more than any fellow candidate. The Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association’s PAC has also spent more than $1.6 million bolstering former New Jersey Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way.

Way, facing fundraising struggles, is highlighted in ads as the confirmed way to counter Trump, referencing her litigation against the president over mail ballots in 2020. A mysterious super PAC, Article One Inc., aiding Way with a $350,000 boost, surfaced recently and is tied to a joint fundraising committee backed by a billionaire financier.

In support of candidate Beecher, the veterans-focused PAC VoteVets has launched a $300,000 ad campaign. This highlights Beecher’s opposition to Trump’s tariffs and military activities and presents him as a pragmatic problem solver.

Numerous state and national endorsements have been declared, from figures like former Governor Phil Murphy, who supports Gill, to Senator Andy Kim, backing Malinowski for his congressional track record. Analilia Mejia has earned endorsements from prominent progressives such as Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

The endorsement scenario reflects the varying significance of support from national leaders versus local influencers. Kelly and Novak point out the diversity in the 11th District makes it challenging to predict which endorsements will sway voters.

The Democratic committees in Essex, Morris, and Passaic counties have expressed varying preferences based on candidate presence. According to LeRoy J. Jones Jr., chair of the New Jersey and Essex County Democratic Parties, endorsements are likely shaped by local familiarity with the candidates. A similar sentiment was shared by Darcy Draeger, chair of the Morris County Democratic Committee, emphasizing the importance of candidates’ connections within the community.

Draeger noted that Malinowski’s previous representation of Morris County could offer him an advantage due to his established reputation. Sherrill’s centrist approach resonates with the district’s voters, suggesting that a candidate leaning towards this political stance might have the upper hand. Nonetheless, Draeger acknowledged that the candidate’s ability to mobilize their voter base would be crucial in determining the outcome of the election.