AIPAC allies picked a candidate to target in New Jersey. They may have boosted a stronger critic of Israel
Story by Arit John, David Wright, CNN, February 8, 2026
During a forum last month, Analilia Mejia was the only person running in the Democratic primary for New Jersey’s 11th District who raised her hand when asked if she agreed with human rights groups that say Israel has committed a genocide in Gaza, a charge the Israeli government rejects.
Now, she may be on her way to Congress thanks in part to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s efforts in her race.
With votes still being counted, Mejia has a narrow lead over former Rep. Tom Malinowski after Thursday’s special election primary for the seat vacated by Gov. Mikie Sherrill. But the results appeared to be an embarrassing defeat for AIPAC, which helped fund a group that spent roughly $2 million on ads targeting Malinowski despite once supporting him.
“One of the great own goals in the history of American politics,” said Matt Bennett, a co-founder of Third Way, a moderate Democratic think tank. “Unbelievably dumb.”
Malinowski is a moderate who expressed openness for conditioning aid to Israel as the national Democratic Party shows more skepticism about the Israeli government in the wake of its offensive following Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attacks.
AIPAC allies picked a candidate to target in New Jersey. They may have boosted a stronger critic of Israel
Is the Tide Starting to Turn Against AIPAC? | Truthout |
