Dem Tom Malinowski ousts Leonard Lance in top NJ House race

Democrat Tom Malinowski is projected to win New Jersey’s 7th District, a big win for Democrats in the heated battle for the House.

Malinowski, a longtime human rights activist, defeated Rep. Leonard Lance (R-N.J.) in a heavily targeted suburban district.

Lance’s district was one of a number of New Jersey districts Democrats targeted since Hillary Clinton narrowly carried the district by about a point in 2016.

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Malinowski was one of several candidates this cycle that worked in former President Obama’s administration, serving as assistant secretary of State.

Lance sought to cast a moderate image, voting against the GOP’s tax law because of the caps on the state and local tax (SALT) deductions. He also opposed the Republicans’ ObamaCare repeal bill last year.