In a new NJ-11 Democratic primary ad , J-L Cauvin tries to distinguish himself from the pack, as he walks past three figures "unmistakably representing the dominant strains in the current race."

He describes them thus: "a 'will move for congressional seat' career politician, a machine-backed 'fighter' who doesn’t want a real fight, and a self-styled outsider who has been, in her own words, 'behind closed doors' in Washington for decades.

The message is clear: says the Democratic Primary candidate: "Democrats are finally gaining ground against MAGA, but risk blowing it by nominating the same types of candidates who weakened the party’s standing in the first place.

"While J-L never names opponents, the references are easily understood in the district to point toward Tom Malinowski, Brendan Gill, and Analilia Mejia — and the ad challenges primary voters to decide whether they want a recycled political archetype or a candidate who will bring a new type of fight to Donald Trump."

In a crowded field where most candidates are carefully avoiding contrast, "this is one of the first spots to invite an explicit conversation about which kind of Democrat can actually grow the coalition and win," says the Cauvin campaign.