South Orange Mayor Backs Fellow Democrat's Campaign To Replace Sherrill In NJ-11

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — A public forum to support Tom Malinowski’s 2026 congressional campaign in New Jersey will take place in South Orange – and it has the backing of the town’s mayor.

Mayor Sheena Collum will host the forum – which will also include U.S. Sen. Andy Kim – from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10. The location will be provided after RSVP, which can be done online here.

According to a news release, the forum will provide residents with an opportunity to hear directly from Malinowski and Kim, ask questions and engage in a timely discussion about “protecting democratic institutions.”

Collum – who has endorsed Malinowski’s latest congressional bid – said he has shown “independence and moral courage” during his previous years in the House.

“Tom Malinowski has already delivered real results for our region: securing critical federal funding for the Gateway Program, fighting to restore the SALT deduction, and protecting access to affordable health care,” Collum said.

Learn more about his campaign in NJ-11 here.

Malinowski, a Democrat, formerly served as a U.S. House representative in New Jersey’s 7th district. He lost his seat to Republican challenger Tom Kean Jr. in 2022 after the state redrew its congressional map.

Malinowski was among the first politicos to throw their hat into the ring to succeed Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill, who recently resigned her House seat in the 11th district as she prepares to succeed Gov. Phil Murphy.

A special primary election will take place to replace Sherrill on Feb. 5. A special general election will be held on April 16. The 11th district includes dozens of towns in Essex, Morris and Passaic counties (see list below).

>> READ MORE: Gov-Elect Sherrill Resigns From Congress (Here’s What Happens Next)

Malinowski said he is “honored” to have Collum’s endorsement.

“Sheena has been a trailblazing leader as the first woman to serve as mayor of South Orange and through her work championing smart growth, economic development, and community investment,” Malinowski said. “Her support means a great deal as we continue building a broad coalition across NJ-11 working to protect our communities from [President Donald] Trump’s agenda.”

Collum was the lieutenant governor running choice of Steven Fulop in June’s Democratic Party primary election for governor. Fulop – the mayor of Jersey City – was among a crowded field of Democrats who were defeated by Sherrill.

• See Related: South Orange Mayor Named As Steven Fulop’s Running Mate
• See Related: Sherrill Heavily Outperforms Ciattarelli In Essex County (2025 Election Results)

WHERE IS THE 11TH DISTRICT?

New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District includes the following municipalities:

Essex County – Belleville, Bloomfield, Cedar Grove, Fairfield, Glen Ridge, Livingston, Maplewood, Millburn, Montclair (part), North Caldwell, Nutley, Roseland, South Orange, West Caldwell

Morris County – Boonton, Boonton Township, Butler, Chatham, Chatham Township, Denville, Dover, East Hanover, Florham Park, Hanover, Harding, Jefferson, Kinnelon, Lincoln Park, Madison, Mendham Twp (part), Montville, Morris Plains, Morris Township, Morristown Town, Mountain Lakes, Parsippany-Troy Hills, Pequannock, Randolph, Riverdale, Rockaway, Rockaway Township, Victory Gardens

Passaic County – Little Falls, Totowa, Wayne (part), Woodland Park

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