New Jersey Democrats are going to the polls on Thursday to pick their candidate from a large group of contenders hoping to take over Rep. Mikie Sherrill’s U.S. House seat in a special election.
Sherrill gave up her seat in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District after winning the governor’s race last year. That left the position open in a district that has leaned Democratic in recent elections but includes some competitive suburban communities.
On the Republican side, Randolph Mayor Joe Hathaway is running unopposed and will face whoever wins the Democratic primary in the special general election set for April 16.
"This is a key chance for Democrats to keep this seat and show strength going forward.
— Political observer (paraphrased)
The Democratic primary has drawn a lot of interest with several strong candidates. Former Rep. Tom Malinowski — who lost reelection in another district in 2022 — is running with the backing of Sen. Andy Kim and progressive voters.
Other notable names include Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill, who has close ties to former Gov. Phil Murphy, and Analilia Mejia, a former leader of the Working Families Alliance who has endorsements from Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Tahesha Way, who recently served as lieutenant governor and secretary of state under Murphy, is also in the race, along with a long list of other candidates including John Bartlett, Zach Beecher, J-L Cauvin, Marc Chaaban, Cammie Croft, Dean Dafis, Jeff Grayzel, Justin Strickland, and Anna Lee Williams.
The District and What’s at Stake
The 11th District covers parts of Essex, Morris, and Passaic counties in northern New Jersey, including some of the state’s wealthier suburbs close to New York City. Sherrill held the seat for four terms after flipping it in 2018, ending a long period of Republican control in the area.
This special election is seen as an important early test of Democratic strength in the state and could influence party strategies and national attention heading into future races.
Key Candidates and Race Dynamics
With so many candidates in the Democratic primary, the race is expected to be very competitive. Each person is focusing on their experience, policy ideas, and ability to win in a general election that could be close.
Main Facts About the Election
Sherrill left the seat after winning the governor’s race.
Republicans have one candidate with no opponent: Randolph Mayor Joe Hathaway.
The Democratic primary includes many candidates, including Tom Malinowski, Brendan Gill, Tahesha Way, Analilia Mejia, and others.
The special general election is scheduled for April 16.
✓ Large Democratic primary field
✓ Unopposed Republican nominee
✓ Special general election on April 16
✓ District covers Essex, Morris, and Passaic counties
Whoever wins the primary will serve out the rest of Sherrill’s term and then face voters again in the regular 2026 election.
Why This Race Is Important
The result of this special election could affect the balance of power in the U.S. House and give an early look at voter mood in New Jersey before bigger statewide and national contests.
Both parties are paying close attention because the district can be competitive and the candidates are well known.
This is one of the first major tests in New Jersey since last year’s statewide elections.— Political observer (rephrased)
Thursday’s primary will decide who Democrats send forward for the April special election — a race that could become a closely watched contest and a signal of political trends moving into 2026.
