Former Rep. Tom Malinowski’s first ad in the special election for New Jersey’s 11th district hits on a familiar theme for the former congressman: he’s fought Donald Trump before and is ready to do it again.
The ad, “Record,” notes that Malinowski was the first swing-district congressman to call for Trump’s impeachment in 2019, and was among those in the Capitol when pro-Trump protesters stormed the building on January 6, 2021. (Malinowski represented the 7th congressional district for four years before losing re-election in 2022, and is now aiming for a comeback in a neighboring district.) It also notes that Malinowski has been endorsed by Senator Andy Kim.
Malinowski said that the ad highlights his greatest strength in the crowded 11th district field: while most Democrats running “generally agree on the issues,” he’s the only one with actual experience battling Trump in Washington. “When I say I know how to stand up to him, that’s not rhetoric: it’s my actual record,” Malinowski said.
Per, Malinowski’s campaign, the ad is part of a “six-figure investment in digital and television”; Malinowski is among the district’s best-funded candidates, having raised over $750,000 during his first month in the race. For now, the new ad is running on digital and streaming platforms targeted at those who might cast their special election ballots by mail – vote-by-mail ballots will be mailed out next week – but Malinowski said it will likely begin airing on TV come January.
Eleven other Democrats are also competing in the special election for Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill’s seat; the Democratic primary will arrive on February 5.
Script
Malinowski: “I was there when Trump unleashed his mob.”
Newscaster: “Congressman Tom Malinowski is inside the building.”
Malinowski: “I was a diplomat under Obama standing up to Putin. I know what threats to democracy look like. That’s why I was the first swing-district Democrat demanding Trump’s impeachment. So I’ll fight Trump’s corruption, defend the Constitution, say ‘hell no’ to billionaires screwing working people and Big Tech hurting our kids. That’s not a promise. That’s my record. I’m Tom Malinowski and I approve this message.”