Ballot box shocker: Progressive backed by Sanders, AOC on verge of upset in Dem congressional primary Analilia Mejia, a progressive organizer endorsed by Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, holds a narrow lead in the Democratic primary for New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District. This contest is being closely watched as a gauge of the progressive wing’s influence within the Democratic Party. The winner will face Republican Joe Hathaway in a special election on April 16, while other special elections loom in Georgia and California.

• Progressive candidate Analilia Mejia is slightly ahead of former Rep. Tom Malinowski in the Democratic primary for New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District.
• Mejia is backed by prominent progressive figures like Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
• The primary is viewed as a test between progressive and mainstream factions of the Democratic Party.
• Malinowski was targeted by attack ads from a group affiliated with AIPAC due to his stance on aid to Israel.
• The Democratic National Committee initially announced Malinowski as the winner, but Mejia later took a lead.
• The winner will face Republican Joe Hathaway in a special election on April 16.
• Special elections are also scheduled in Georgia’s 14th Congressional District and California’s 1st Congressional District.