Thomas “Tom” Malinowski was born on September 23, 1965, in Słupsk, Poland, and immigrated to the United States with his mother at age six, settling in New Jersey. He grew up speaking no English and went on to build a distinguished career in public service, diplomacy, and human rights advocacy. Malinowski graduated from Princeton High School, earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and was a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University, where he received his M.Phil. before beginning a career in government and advocacy. Early in his professional life he served as a speechwriter and senior national security official, including roles on the National Security Council and as Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor during the Obama administration, where he stood up for human rights and democratic values around the world. After decades working on foreign policy and human rights — including directing efforts at Human Rights Watch — Malinowski entered electoral politics in 2018, winning a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives representing New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District and serving from 2019 until 2023. In Congress he delivered for New Jersey families, securing major infrastructure funding, pandemic-era assistance for small businesses and local governments, and protections against domestic extremism. After losing his seat in the 2022 election, Malinowski remained engaged in public life, serving as Hunterdon County Democratic chair before launching a campaign in 2025 to return to the House in the special election to succeed Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey’s 11th District.
Key Issue Stances & Priorities
Tom Malinowski’s campaign emphasizes a blend of economic, security, and democratic priorities shaped by his experience in government and public service:
- Democracy & Accountability: Malinowski highlights his record standing up to threats to democratic institutions and holding powerful interests accountable, reminding voters that he was an early swing-district voice calling for accountability during national crises.
- Lowering Costs for Families: He has made cutting costs for everyday families a priority, pledging to tackle high housing and healthcare costs and opposing policies that disproportionately benefit mega-donors and corporations.
- Healthcare & Housing Investment: The campaign platform calls for affordable, high-quality healthcare access and expanded housing opportunities.
- Infrastructure & Local Investment: Drawing on his previous tenure in Congress, Malinowski supports robust federal infrastructure investment that delivers results — including transportation funding that benefits New Jersey commuters and families.
- Foreign Policy & National Security: With extensive foreign affairs experience, he emphasizes combating foreign threats, defending democratic allies, and opposing corruption at home and abroad.
- Bipartisan Working-Class Solutions: Malinowski positions himself as a pragmatic leader capable of working across the aisle to get things done for his district and the nation.
Accomplishments & Record of Service
- Congressional Leadership: Served two terms in the U.S. House (2019–2023), representing neighboring New Jersey districts and securing bipartisan wins on major issues like infrastructure, small business relief, and federal support for local governments.
- National Security & Human Rights: Malinowski’s career includes senior national security roles and leading human rights efforts globally — including advocating against torture and promoting democratic freedoms.
- Infrastructure Wins: While in Congress, he helped secure critical federal funding for regional infrastructure projects such as the Gateway Program and Portal Bridge improvements that benefit New Jersey commuters.
- Constituent Engagement: Known for consistent engagement, holding more than 140 town-hall meetings and staying connected with residents’ concerns during his time in office.
- Grassroots Momentum: In early campaign fundraising, Malinowski has demonstrated strong grassroots backing and name recognition in the crowded Democratic primary field.
I’m running to fulfill an oath to the Constitution I first took as a child getting American citizenship, and again as a diplomat standing up to dictators and a Congressman standing up to Trump.
I’m running to deliver again what New Jerseyans need – better and lower cost health care, housing, and transportation – and to take on Trump’s corruption, abuse of power, and attacks on democracy. I will be ready for the fight from day one.
- Tom Malinowski