Polls are now open in the 11th District’s special election between Democrat Analilia Mejia and Republican Joe Hathaway. The winner will finish the rest of Mikie Sherrill’s term. The seat was vacated on November 20, 2025, when Sherrill began her transition to become Governor. She officially took office two months later.
Mejia is the former Executive Director of the New Jersey Working Families Party and served on the Bernie Sanders 2020 presidential campaign. She is running on a platform for free Medicare for All, tuition-free college, and guaranteed paid sick leave for all Americans. She has consistently accused Hathaway of being a “Trump rubber stamp,” although Hathaway said during the debate that he does not plan to be a rubber stamp and will do what is in the best interest of the district.
Hathaway is the former mayor of Randolph and previously served as an aide to Gov. Chris Christie. He is running on a platform to decrease the cost of living, making New Jersey more accessible for seniors, and improving public transportation. The Hathaway campaign accused Mejia of being antisemitic during their only debate, hosted by the New Jersey Globe on April 1. However, Mejia has been endorsed by J Street, a national political action committee that leans progressive but is also pro-Israel.
Regardless of who wins this special election, the two will still have to participate in the upcoming June primary election. Joe Hathaway is running unopposed and is guaranteed to be the Republican Nominee in the November midterms.
To find out if you are eligible to vote in the special election, click the link to the state’s polling place searcher and type in your home address and zip code.
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