Lead: Early returns from the March 2026 special Democratic primary for New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District show a close contest across Essex, Morris and Passaic counties. With roughly 89–92% of precincts reporting in those counties, Analilia Mejia, Tom Malinowski and Tahesha Way are trading leads in different jurisdictions. Tom Malinowski held an early overall advantage in some tallies, but Analilia Mejia has closed gaps in Essex and made gains statewide in later returns. Final certification remains pending as remaining ballots and provisional counts are tallied.
Key Takeaways
- Essex County: 92.3% reporting; Analilia Mejia 32.0%, Tom Malinowski 25.7%, Brendan Gill 19.8%.
- Morris County: 89.4% reporting; Tom Malinowski 32.3%, Analilia Mejia 25.6%, Tahesha Way 17.7%.
- Passaic County: 89.5% reporting; Tahesha Way 24.5%, Analilia Mejia 24.2%, Tom Malinowski 17.3%.
- The race remains fluid: different candidates lead by county rather than a single dominant statewide margin in available returns.
- Provisional, late-arriving and absentee ballots have not been fully reported and could affect the final outcome.
- Reporting reflects partial data; county-level percentages come from returns with roughly 89–92% of precincts tabulated in the three counties above.
Background
The special primary in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District was called to fill a U.S. House vacancy for the seat representing parts of Essex, Morris and Passaic counties. Special elections often draw a different electorate than regular primaries—turnout patterns, local endorsements and get-out-the-vote operations can have outsized effects.
Candidates in the Democratic primary included former Congressman Tom Malinowski, state-level and local figures such as Tahesha Way, and challengers including Analilia Mejia and Brendan Gill. The district’s mixed suburban and urban composition means county results can vary widely, with Essex’s urban precincts showing stronger support for certain candidates while Morris’s suburban voters favor others.
Main Event
Early returns initially showed Tom Malinowski with leads in several precincts, particularly in Morris County where he reached 32.3% with 89.4% reporting. That early margin reflected pockets of strong support among suburban voters and areas where Malinowski has previously campaigned.
As counts from Essex came in—92.3% reporting—Analilia Mejia led the county with 32.0% to Malinowski’s 25.7% and Brendan Gill’s 19.8%. Mejia’s performance in Essex narrowed the overall gap and shifted media coverage to note a tightening contest.
Passaic returns (89.5% reporting) showed Tahesha Way leading with 24.5%, closely followed by Mejia at 24.2% and Malinowski at 17.3%. Those splits underline how each candidate was competitive in particular geographic pockets rather than commanding broad, uniform support across the district.
Election officials emphasized the counts remain incomplete; tabulation of provisional ballots, absentee returns received late and any outstanding machines or precincts could alter percentages before certification. Party officials and campaigns framed the night as a close but unresolved picture pending full county canvasses.
Analysis & Implications
The fragmented results illustrate a broader trend in competitive suburban districts where multiple candidates can each lead in different voter blocs. Mejia’s strength in Essex suggests mobilization among urban and diverse constituencies, while Malinowski’s Morris showing points to continued appeal in suburban pockets.
A split map of county leaders complicates predictive models: no candidate posted an overwhelming lead across all three counties in the reported returns. That means final outcomes will hinge on remaining ballots, the geographic distribution of uncounted votes and whether late-turnout groups favor one campaign over others.
Strategically, the results could shift post-primary dynamics for the eventual nominee in the general election. A winner emerging with narrow, geographically concentrated support may face difficulty uniting disparate local coalitions across the district without rapid consolidation of endorsements and voter outreach.
On a practical level, tight partial returns increase the probability of recounts or legal challenges if margins end up narrow. Campaigns should prepare for extended counting and, if necessary, post-election adjudication at the county level.
| County | % Reporting | Top Three Candidates (vote %) |
|---|---|---|
| Essex | 92.3% | Mejia 32.0, Malinowski 25.7, Gill 19.8 |
| Morris | 89.4% | Malinowski 32.3, Mejia 25.6, Way 17.7 |
| Passaic | 89.5% | Way 24.5, Mejia 24.2, Malinowski 17.3 |
The table above shows the county splits in the partial returns. Those county-level patterns are vital because district-wide outcomes in special primaries often turn on localized turnout differences. Analysts will watch outstanding ballots and county canvass statements for the next official tallies.
Reactions & Quotes
Early returns show shifting leads across counties, producing a close and unsettled primary night.
NBC News reporting
County officials noted that canvasses remain underway and that provisional and absentee ballots could change margins.
County election officials (via local briefings)
Campaign spokespeople framed the night as proof of strong grassroots support while cautioning supporters that the result was not yet final.
Campaign statements reported by local press
Unconfirmed
- No statewide certified winner has been declared; final outcomes depend on outstanding ballots and county certifications.
- The precise number and partisan composition of uncounted provisional/absentee ballots affecting the district total are not yet publicly verified.
- Any campaign claims of definitive victory should be treated as premature until county certification completes.
Bottom Line
Partial returns from Essex, Morris and Passaic counties show a fragmented, competitive Democratic primary in New Jersey’s 11th District. Analilia Mejia led in Essex, Tom Malinowski led in Morris, and Tahesha Way led in Passaic—underscoring how local turnout patterns shaped the night.
Because reporting remains incomplete and provisional ballots are outstanding, the race should be considered unresolved until county canvasses are finalized. Readers should expect additional updates as counties certify results and campaigns respond to the final tallies.