In the upcoming special election for New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District, which is likely a safe seat for Democrats, progressives quickly united around a single candidate, while the party establishment has been fractured by internal divisions. It’s a reversal of sorts of the familiar pattern in which left-wing infighting inhibits unity while Democratic moderates coalesce around a party insider.
This seat in suburban North Jersey is open because fourth-term Rep. Mikie Sherrill was elected governor in November and took office in January. There are 11 Democrats vying to replace her in the primary on Feb. 5, with the winner a heavy favorite to win the seat in April’s special election. (Only one Republican is running, local mayor Joe Hathaway.)
