Analilia Mejia Secures Victory in New Jersey's Special Election

Fri Apr 17 2026 04:40:26 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

In a significant political shift, Democrat Analilia Mejia has won the special election for New Jersey's 11th Congressional District, a seat previously held by the now-governor Mikie Sherrill. Mejia's focus on progressive issues and opposition to Trump-led policies were key to her success.

Democrat Analilia Mejia triumphed over Republican Joe Hathaway in New Jersey's special election for the U.S. House, securing her position with strong support from progressive leaders like Bernie Sanders. Mejia's victory continues the Democratic hold in the 11th District, signifying a shift in the region's political landscape. She campaigned on a platform of social justice and economic reform, positioning herself as a challenger to former President Trump's policies.

DENVILLE, N.J. (AP) — Democrat Analilia Mejia won a New Jersey special election for the U.S. House on Thursday, defeating Republican Joe Hathaway on a message of standing up to President Donald Trump.

Mejia, a former head of the Working Families Alliance who had support from Vermont U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, will fill the seat previously held by Democratic Gov. Mikie Sherrill and serve until January.

Her victory keeps the seat in the 11th District, which was once a GOP stronghold, in Democratic hands ahead of this year’s midterm elections and adds to a string of victories for the party. The Associated Press called the race for Mejia minutes after the polls closed.

Mejia emerged from a crowded primary in February and cast the race as a test of Trump’s leadership. She criticized his pardons of people convicted of Jan. 6-related crimes and faulted him for freezing funds authorized by Congress.

“The people here are ready to do something about it,” she said. “We’re not here to write strongly worded letters. Congress has real power.”

Hathaway tried to use Mejia’s progressive credentials to his advantage, as national Republicans cast her as a socialist.

“I’m running to bring common-sense leadership to D.C & deliver results for our families, not push a far-left agenda,” Hathaway stated in a recent social media post.

Both candidates may face off again in November’s election for a full two-year term.

The 11th District, which covers parts of Essex, Morris, and Passaic counties in northern New Jersey’s affluent suburbs, has turned increasingly Democratic since Trump’s first term.

Sherrill first won the seat in the 2018 midterm elections, flipping it during a time when Democrats sought to secure control of Congress. In 2024, she won reelection by about 15 points.

Analilia Mejia’s campaign focused on progressive ideals, including populist economic policies and plans to abolish U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). She has been a regular presence in the state Capitol, advocating for progressive causes and served as political director for Sanders during his 2020 presidential campaign.

Her win is a clear message in a changing political landscape.