Decision Desk HQ (DDHQ) is one of the more respected election forecasters, and as such, a flurry of outlets followed its call and crowned Malinowski, a former US House representative, the winner of the Democratic primary election. The North Jersey congressional seat is solidly Democratic-its previous representative, Mikie Sherrill, is now the governor of New Jersey-meaning that whoever emerged out of this primary would likely win the special election in two months' time. For a moment, it appeared as though that would be Malinowski.
The New Jersey Democratic primary for the state's 11th Congressional District was plunged into uncertainty on Thursday night after Decision Desk HQ abruptly walked back its earlier projection calling a win for former congressman Tom Malinowski after a late surge by his progressive rival. The election analysis outlet had initially called the contest for Malinowski, only to retract its call hours later as election night data began cutting sharply against its assumptions.