Progressive organizer Analilia Mejia has defeated moderate Democrats in New Jersey’s 11th district primary, marking another victory for the party’s far-left wing over mainstream candidates in recent elections.

Upset Victory in New Jersey

Mejia narrowly defeated former Representative Tom Malinowski and ten other Democrats in last week’s primary for the seat vacated by Governor Mikie Sherrill. The race highlighted the ongoing divide between progressive activists and moderate Democrats. Malinowski, considered the frontrunner, faced significant opposition from groups affiliated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee due to his stance on conditional aid to Israel. He conceded after trailing by nearly 900 votes.

Mejia, who served as national political director for Bernie Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign, centered her campaign on rebuilding the Democratic Party along progressive lines. She has called for abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement and advocates for what supporters describe as a progressive populist economic agenda. Representative Ro Khanna praised her victory, calling her “the future” of the party.

Nationwide Progressive Momentum

The New Jersey result continues a pattern of progressive victories across the country since 2025. Socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani won New York City’s mayoral race, while progressive candidates captured mayoral positions in Seattle and Detroit. Adelita Grijalva, backed by Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, won election to succeed her late father in an Arizona congressional seat.

What This Means

The Progressive Change Campaign Committee argues these victories prove voters want Democrats who challenge powerful interests rather than simply oppose Republican policies. However, moderate Democrats like Third Way’s Matt Bennett attribute Mejia’s win primarily to outside spending against Malinowski rather than genuine progressive momentum. The April special election will determine whether Mejia can translate primary success into a general election victory in the blue-leaning district.