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Voters in Northern New Jersey Set to Choose Nominees for Sherrill’s Congressional Seat
Voters across northern New Jersey will head to the polls Thursday for a special congressional primary to fill the seat vacated by Democrat Mikie Sherrill, who was recently sworn in as the state’s governor.
The Democratic primary has drawn an exceptionally crowded field of 11 candidates vying to represent New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District, a traditionally Democratic-leaning area that could prove crucial in the current narrowly divided House of Representatives.
The winner of Thursday’s Democratic contest will face Republican Randolph Township Mayor Joe Hathaway, who is running unopposed in his party’s primary, in a special general election scheduled for April 16. The outcome could further shrink the Republican majority in the House, which currently stands at a slim 218-214 margin.
Former U.S. Representative Tom Malinowski has emerged as a frontrunner in fundraising among the Democratic candidates. However, his campaign has faced significant opposition from a super PAC affiliated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which has spent approximately $1.6 million on negative advertising against him. The same group previously targeted progressive members of “the Squad” in earlier election cycles.
Meanwhile, former Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way has benefited from about $1.5 million in supportive spending from a super PAC connected to the Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association, highlighting the substantial outside money flowing into this abbreviated race.
The Democratic field represents a diverse cross-section of local political figures and professionals. It includes Passaic County Commissioner John Bartlett, venture capitalist Zach Beecher, attorney and comedian J-L Cauvin, nonprofit executive Cammie Croft, Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill, and Morris Township Committeeman Jeff Grayzel.
Rounding out the crowded ballot are progressive organizer Analilia Mejia, Chatham Borough Councilman Justin Strickland, and community activist Anna Lee Williams. Two additional candidates have withdrawn but will still appear on the ballot.
The district’s geography plays a significant role in the campaign dynamics. More than half of the district’s 588 precincts are located in Morris County, with about 39% in Essex County and the remaining 9% in Passaic County. The candidates’ home bases span these areas, with four from Morris County, four from Essex County, and Way representing Passaic County.
Malinowski, notably, lives outside the 11th District boundaries but previously represented a portion of Essex County until losing his seat to Republican Tom Kean in 2022.
The Democratic nominee will enter the April special election with a significant advantage. Sherrill won her 2024 reelection with approximately 57% of the vote, while Vice President Kamala Harris carried the district with 53% in the presidential race. This historic voting pattern suggests a likely Democratic hold, though special elections can sometimes produce surprising results due to variations in turnout.
As of Sunday, the district had about 602,000 registered voters, with Democrats outnumbering Republicans by roughly 226,000 to 165,000. Approximately 206,000 voters remain unaffiliated with either major party. Early voting data shows robust participation, with more than 25,000 ballots already cast by registered Democrats and about 5,400 by Republicans as of Monday.
Polling stations will close at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, with initial results expected shortly thereafter. New Jersey typically reports early and absentee voting results first, often releasing them within minutes of polls closing, before tallying Election Day in-person votes.
New Jersey does not conduct automatic recounts, though candidates or voters may request and pay for them, with costs refunded if the outcome changes as a result.
The special election comes at a time when two other previously Republican-held congressional seats in Georgia and California are also vacant, adding to the high stakes of this contest in the closely divided House of Representatives.
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8 Comments
The special congressional primary in New Jersey’s 11th district is shaping up to be a closely watched race. With the Democratic field crowded and the Republican nominee running unopposed, the primary will be crucial in determining who ultimately represents this pivotal district.
You raise a good point. The primary will be the main event, as the general election is likely to be more straightforward. The Democratic nominee will have a strong advantage in this blue-leaning district.
This special primary in New Jersey is a fascinating one to follow. With 11 Democrats vying for the nomination, it’s sure to be a competitive and closely watched contest. The outcome could have significant implications for the balance of power in the House.
Interesting race in NJ’s 11th district. It will be fascinating to see how the Democratic primary shakes out with such a crowded field vying for the nomination. The outcome could have important implications for the balance of power in the House.
Agreed, this is a key race to watch. The AIPAC-affiliated PAC spending against Malinowski adds an intriguing dynamic to the primary.
The special election in NJ’s 11th district is an important one, as the winner could help tip the scales in the narrowly divided House. It will be interesting to see how the Democratic primary plays out and who emerges as the nominee.
Absolutely, the race will be a barometer for the political climate in the state and nation. The winner will have a chance to make an immediate impact in Congress.
The special congressional primary in New Jersey’s 11th district is an intriguing one to follow. With 11 Democrats vying for the nomination and a Republican running unopposed, the outcome of the primary will be critical. This race could have significant implications for the balance of power in the House.