Former Rep. Tom Malinowski conceded Tuesday to Esther Mejia in the Democratic primary for New Jersey's 35th Congressional District special election. Mejia, chief of staff to outgoing Rep. Nellie Pou, won the race to succeed Pou, who resigned to take a state Senate seat.
The primary was held to fill the vacancy in a safely Democratic district covering parts of Passaic and Bergen counties. The winner will face Republican and independent candidates in the April 1 general election.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive Democrats backed Mejia as a continuation of Pou's representation, emphasizing her deep roots in the district and experience in constituent services. New Jersey Working Families Alliance praised Mejia's commitment to affordable housing and workers' rights.
Malinowski supporters highlighted his foreign policy expertise and national profile from his tenure representing New Jersey's 7th District from 2019 to 2023. Democratic leaders in neighboring districts noted his experience on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
What the Right Is Saying
Republicans criticized the race as an insider primary, with both candidates connected to the Democratic establishment. The Bergen County Republican Committee called for new leadership and argued the district needs representation focused on local issues rather than national politics.
Conservative commentators noted Malinowski's loss as evidence that voters prefer local experience over national profiles, even in Democratic primaries. Some pointed to his 2022 general election loss in his former district as a sign of diminished political appeal.
What the Numbers Show
Unofficial results showed Mejia winning with approximately 58% of the vote to Malinowski's 42%. Turnout was estimated at 18% of registered Democrats in the district.
The 35th District has a Democratic registration advantage of roughly 2-to-1. President Biden carried the district by 22 points in 2020. No Republican has won the seat since its current boundaries were drawn in 2011.
The Bottom Line
Mejia is heavily favored to win the April 1 general election in the Democratic-leaning district. The race tested whether voters preferred continuity with Pou's office through her former chief of staff or a return to Congress for Malinowski, who lost his seat in 2022.
The special election will not significantly change the partisan balance in the House, where Republicans hold a narrow majority. Mejia would be the first Latina to represent the district.