MORRISTOWN - Some of those making calls opposing Tom Malinowski's return to Congress are a ways away - like the other side of the globe.

"They've got call centers in India making phone calls to people with scripts," Malinowski told supporters Saturday morning during a "canvas launch."

He drew laughs from an estimated crowd of 75 at Morris County Democratic headquarters when he said his name is often mispronounced, but that really is not the point.

Dark money is the point.

"This is a test case now for the midterm elections and the role dark money plays in our politics," he said.

Malinowski is one of 11 Dems running in next Thursday's special primary to replace Mikie Sherrill in CD-11. The winner advances to the general election on April 16.

Malinowski's attempted return to Congress,  albeit in another district, (he previously served in CD-7) is a story in its own right.

His mention of dark money, however, ratcheted things up even further.

In recent weeks, Malinowski has been the target of an expensive and not always accurate campaign by AIPAC - the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. One inflammatory charge - especially in today's climate - is that Malinowski backs ICE. This stems from his 2019 vote while a congressman in support of border control. As he always points out, every Democratic House member from New Jersey voted the same way.

Malinowski has called the ad a flat out lie and today, he said it may only be the beginning.

He said similar groups representing the crypto and AI industries are likely to do the same thing in this year's midterm elections - that is, spend lavishly not to support a candidate, but to tear one down.

Malinowski said this could eventually impact all Democrats and even senators like Andy Kim.

That was fitting, because Kim was in the room. In fact, he was the featured speaker.

Both men were first elected to the House in 2018 and actually knew each other before that. Now in 2026, Sen. Kim is endorsing Malinowski in the special election.

Why's that?

"I need somebody who can just come in and just start kicking ass right away," he said.

The point is that Malinowski would start a new stint in Congress with experience and no need for a learning curve. Whoever wins the April election likely would be seated soon thereafter.

Speaking of Washington, Kim said he thinks the Trump Administration is beginning to recognize how unpopular its immigration enforcement policies are.

"They are feeling the pressure ... the administration is feeling it," he said.