Democrats face their first congressional primary of the year next week, with 11 candidates seeking to succeed New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill in a special election that could serve as an early indicator of how Democratic voters feel just weeks before the midterm election season kicks off in March.
Former Rep. Tom Malinowski, Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill, former Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way and organizer Analilia Mejia are among the leading Democratic contenders in the blue-leaning 11th District in North Jersey.
The primary debate among the Democratic candidates has focused on how to fight back against the Trump administration and who is best suited to oppose the president. The candidates have also talked about lowering costs, with some tying high costs to Trump’s policies. The affordability issue fueled much of Democrats’ electoral success in 2025, including in the Garden State, where Sherrill was elected New Jersey’s second female governor.
