Progressive Analilia Mejía takes New Jersey US House special election, giving Democrats another win

Democrat Analilia Mejía won a special election in New Jersey's 11th Congressional District on Thursday, April 16, 2026, defeating Republican Joe Hathaway. Mejía, a former head of the Working Families Alliance, campaigned on progressive policies and opposition to President Donald Trump. She will fill the seat previously held by Democratic Gov. Mikie Sherrill and serve until January. The victory allows Democrats to retain control of the seat in the House, where Republicans hold a narrow majority. Mejía's win is considered a victory for progressives and adds to a series of Democratic wins leading up to the midterm elections.

Democrat Analilia Mejia won a special election in New Jersey's 11th congressional district on Thursday, defeating Republican Joe Hathaway. The election was held to fill the seat vacated by Mikie Sherrill, who became governor. Mejia, supported by Bernie Sanders, campaigned on progressive policies and opposition to Donald Trump. Her victory allows Democrats to retain control of the district, which has shifted from Republican to Democratic in recent years. Mejia will serve until January, and may face Hathaway again in the November election for a full two-year term. The 11th district covers parts of Essex, Morris, and Passaic counties in northern New Jersey.