By Breaking Editor 
In a dramatic twist in New Jersey’s 11th congressional district race, progressive candidate Analilia Mejia has declared victory in the Democratic special primary election, edging out moderate Tom Malinowski. Mejia’s win, which comes after a significant shift in vote counting and a late endorsement from fourth-place finisher Brendan Gill, positions her to potentially reshape the political landscape in a historically moderate district.
As of late Friday evening, Mejia maintained a narrow lead over Malinowski, with sources indicating she was ahead by approximately 500 votes. The latest updates reported that Mejia’s lead had solidified as additional ballots were counted, increasing her advantage from a marginal 0.8% to 1.1%.
Mejia’s ascent was likely aided by a controversial $2 million campaign by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) targeting her opponent, former LT Governor Tahesha Way. The spending aimed at defeating Malinowski over his conditional stance on U.S. aid to Israel has drawn ire from centrist Democrats, who feel it backfired spectacularly, inadvertently bolstering a more progressive candidate like Mejia, who has described Israel’s actions as genocidal.
“It’s a remarkable transformation for Mejia, who was polling at just 5% just months ago,” remarked a political analyst. Her candidacy has garnered the backing of prominent progressives, including Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. Mejia responded to her supporters with enthusiasm, stating, “It is time for us to focus on what really matters: unrigging this economy, making sure we reclaim our democracy—and it starts right now.”
However, the implications of her victory extend beyond the primary. It signals a real shift in the Democratic caucus, as more members call for acting like a real opposition party to the American far right. As New Jersey is drawing national attention, the the ramifications of Mejia’s win may resonate beyond the 11th district, posing questions about the future balance of power within the Democratic party.
For now, Mejia’s supporters and the general democratic movement or left aligned people, are filled with optimism, demanding progressive representation.the stage for what’s anticipated to be a fierce campaign leading into the general election.