NJ-11 Democratic Primary Underway for Sherrill's Vacant Seat

Democratic voters in New Jersey's 11th Congressional District headed to the polls on Thursday for a special primary election to select their party's nominee to serve out the remainder of former U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill's term. Sherrill, a Democrat, resigned from Congress last month after winning the 2024 gubernatorial race and taking office as governor. The winner will face Randolph Mayor Joe Hathaway, the sole Republican candidate, in a special general election on April 16.

The Democratic primary drew a crowded field of 13 candidates, though two have suspended their campaigns, leaving their names on the ballot. The contest, held on a weekday to accommodate the abbreviated timeline, featured intense competition among factions within the party, fueled by millions in outside spending and negative advertising. More than 25,000 early ballots had already been cast by Democrats as of Monday, according to state election officials, but the large roster of contenders was expected to splinter the vote and suppress turnout in the district spanning parts of Essex, Morris and Passaic counties.

Leading the pack in fundraising was former U.S. Rep. Tom Malinowski, who represented a neighboring...