WEST ORANGE, NJ: LeRoy J. Jones Jr., Chairman of the Essex County Democratic Committee (ECDC), released the following statement:

Today, Tom Malinowski conceded to Analilia Mejia in the CD11 Special Primary.

Although there are ballots left to be counted, and we certainly want all ballots to be counted, the Democrats of CD11 have spoken: Analilia Mejia is their choice to represent the Democratic Party in Congress. In a crowded field, Analilia showed strength, grit, and an unquestioning dedication to the people of this district, qualities that I know she will bring to Congress when she is ultimately elected.

No matter who you backed during the Special Primary, now is the time to rally around Analilia, support her candidacy, and ensure that CD11 remains a Democratic seat. It is said that the Democratic Party is a big tent party – now is the time to put that into practice. We must come together to build a coalition of Democrats to ensure that Analilia is elected to Congress. We cannot afford to lose this seat, not after how hard we all worked to flip it in 2018, just as we cannot afford to lose any seat in Congress, not with the existential threats that keep coming at us from the White House.

Analilia Mejia will have the full support of the Essex County Democratic Party, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that she is elected. I am confident that once elected, Analia will be a fierce advocate in Congress for the people of CD11, and the people of Essex County.”