Anti‑Establishment Shock in New Jersey: Progressive Analilia Mejia Tops Tight Democratic Primary

Analilia Mejia, a progressive organizer supported by Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez, is narrowly leading an unexpectedly close Democratic primary in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District. Her surge — without backing from local county party machines — marks a striking challenge to the state’s long-standing party structures and could signal a shifting dynamic in how Democrats win nominations.

Why This Race Matters

New Jersey has long been defined by strong county Democratic organizations that shaped primaries through endorsements, resources and the so‑called “line” on the ballot that indicated the county party’s preferred candidate. That system helped produce predictable outcomes for decades. But recent legal and political developments have interrupted the old order and opened space for grassroots insurgents.

Recent Upheavals

The backdrop includes the 2023 federal indictment of Sen. Robert Menendez and an earlier 2018 corruption trial that ended in a hung jury — events that fueled grassroots resentment toward machine politics. The decisive change came when Rep. Andy Kim challenged the county “line” and a federal judge ruled in March 2024 that the practice undermined “the integrity of the democratic process,” effectively removing a powerful tool of county organizations.

Former Rep. Tom Malinowski. (Spencer Platt / Getty Images)(Spencer Platt)

How The 11th District Primary Unfolded

The 11th District spans Essex, Morris and Passaic counties. Despite losing the backing of every county party in the district, Mejia has performed strongest in Essex — the district’s largest Democratic vote center — where she is running ahead of former Rep. Tom Malinowski and substantially outpacing Brendan Gill, the Essex‑backed candidate.

Malinowski, who represented the neighboring 7th District for two terms and moved into the 11th to restart his congressional career, received Morris County’s endorsement. Passaic’s local leaders split their support among county commissioner John Bartlett and former Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way. None of those county organizations endorsed Mejia.

Bottom line: Mejia’s performance shows the continued potency of grassroots energy and national progressive endorsements in a state once dominated by county machines.

Broader Implications

Whether Mejia ultimately holds her lead, the contest underscores a broader trend: county organizations remain influential through endorsements and local infrastructure, but their ability to control outcomes has weakened. The rise of insurgent campaigns — fueled by activist networks, small‑donor fundraising and high‑profile progressive endorsements — is reshaping how some Democratic nominations are won in New Jersey and beyond.

As tallies continue in the 11th District, the result will be watched for what it reveals about intra‑party power, the effectiveness of grassroots organizing, and whether reforming long‑standing practices like the ballot “line” produces more open, competitive primaries.