Mejia's Win Narrows Republican House Majority to 218-214
Mejia's victory narrows Republican House majority to just 218-214.
Event / Politics
New Jersey 11th District Special Election
Democrat Analilia Mejia won a special election in New Jersey's 11th Congressional District on April 17, 2026, with 68.1% of the vote, defeating Republican Joe Hathaway and independent Alan Bond. The victory reduces the Republican House majority to 218-214.
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2026-08-18 to 2026-11-15 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 17 Apr, 04:06 UTC
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What happened
Republican opponent Hathaway did not receive Trump endorsement
Joe Hathaway, a Randolph Township councilman and the Republican candidate, ran opposed in the Republican primary. During a debate earlier in April, Hathaway said he would not be a 'rubber stamp' for President Donald Trump. Trump did not endorse Hathaway's candidacy.
Mejia's victory narrows Republican House majority to 218-214
The election result shifts the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives. Before the election, Republicans held 218 seats to Democrats' 213. With Mejia's win, the Republican majority is reduced to 218-214, providing Democrats with a stronger position in the chamber.
Democratic momentum in special elections continues after Florida victories
Mejia's victory adds to a series of recent Democratic wins in special elections. The result comes weeks after Democrats secured victories in two special elections in Florida. Additional special elections are scheduled, including an August race in California to replace Representative Eric Swalwell and a contest in Northern California following the death of Representative Doug LaMalfa.
Democrat Analilia Mejia wins New Jersey special election for U.S. House seat
Democrat Analilia Mejia won the special election on Thursday to fill New Jersey's 11th Congressional District seat that opened when Mikie Sherrill became governor. Mejia received 68.1% of the vote, defeating Republican Joe Hathaway who garnered 31.5% and independent Alan Bond who took 0.5%. The election was held in a district where Vice President Kamala Harris won by 9 points in the 2024 presidential election and Sherrill won by 15 points in her gubernatorial campaign.
Mejia, progressive Democrat endorsed by Sanders and AOC, wins with strong fundraising advantage
Analilia Mejia, a former Bernie Sanders staffer and progressive activist, received endorsements from Senator Bernie Sanders, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. She outraised her opponent Joe Hathaway by a 2-1 margin, raising just over $1 million by the end of March, with more than half from contributions under $200. Hathaway raised $500,000 during the same period.
Mejia ran on progressive platform including wealth tax and universal healthcare
Mejia, a former Sanders staffer, ran on a progressive platform that included raising taxes on the wealthy, calling for universal health care and child care. She was also fiercely critical of Israel, stating it had committed genocide in the Gaza Strip. American Centerpoint, a super PAC backing Israel-supporting candidates, attempted to attack Mejia in the closing days of the race by tying her to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
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2 alternative perspectives
Progressive Democrat Mejia Wins New Jersey Special Election
Progressive Democrat Mejia wins New Jersey House special election with Sanders and AOC support.