Polls close for New Jersey’s crowded Democratic primary in race for Sherrill’s US House seat

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Democratic voters headed to the polls Thursday to select their party’s candidate in a crowded special election for the U.S. House seat vacated by Mikie Sherrill’s victory in the race for governor.

The competitive Democratic primary, which followed Sherrill’s resignation in the 11th District after she won the governorship last year, saw polls close in the evening. The winner of the primary will face Randolph Mayor Joe Hathaway, who ran unopposed in the Republican primary, in the general election scheduled for April 16.

Among the leading Democratic contenders was former Rep. Tom Malinowski, who lost his reelection bid in a different district in 2022. Malinowski received the endorsement of New Jersey Democratic Sen. Andy Kim, known for his strong support from progressive groups.

Brendan Gill, an elected commissioner in Essex County—one of the state’s most populous counties—also vied for the nomination. Gill has close ties to former Gov. Phil Murphy, having managed Murphy’s first campaign for governor.

Analilia Mejia, a former head of the Working Families Alliance in New Jersey and political director for Vermont independent Sen. Bernie Sanders, was another notable candidate. Mejia secured endorsements from both Sanders and U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York.

Tahesha Way, who served as lieutenant governor and secretary of state under Murphy for two terms until last month, was also in the race.

Other candidates included John Bartlett; Zach Beecher; J-L Cauvin; Marc Chaaban; Cammie Croft; Dean Dafis; Jeff Grayzel; Justin Strickland; and Anna Lee Williams.

The 11th District covers parts of Essex, Morris, and Passaic counties in northern New Jersey, including some of New York City’s wealthier suburbs. Sherrill represented the district for four terms after her initial election in 2018. Her victories marked a shift in the traditionally GOP-leaning region, a dynamic that began to change during President Donald Trump’s first term.
https://wtop.com/national/2026/02/new-jersey-democrats-pick-from-crowded-field-in-special-election-for-sherrills-us-house-seat/

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