Democratic Race to Fill NJ Gov. Sherrill’s Seat Too Close to Call

A victory for candidate Analilia Mejia, the current leader in the vote, would represent a major upset for left-wing progressives in the district.

(Left) Democratic incumbent Rep. Tom Malinowski participates in a get out the vote event in Rahway, N.J., on Oct. 29, 2022. (Right) Analilia Mejia speaks during a rally calling for SCOTUS ethics reform in Washington on May 2, 2023. Spencer Platt/Getty Images;Joy Asico/AP Images for Center for Popular Democracy Action

The Democratic special primary election to fill the U.S. House seat vacated by Gov. Mikie Sherrill (D-N.J.) remains too close to call, with a progressive candidate leading a former U.S. representative.

As of 1 a.m. ET, around 5 hours after polls closed, progressive candidate Analilia Mejia leads former U.S. Rep. Tom Malinowski by roughly 0.8 percent, with 28.8 percent of the vote to Malinowski’s 28 percent.