11 special, keeping Sherrill’s seat in Democratic hands
New Jersey Globe • • nation
Key Points:
- Democrat Analilia Mejia has won the special election for New Jersey’s 11th congressional district, maintaining Democratic control of the seat previously held by Gov. Mikie Sherrill, with a 60% to 40% lead over Republican Joe Hathaway.
- Mejia’s victory marks a significant win for the progressive movement, as she replaces a moderate Democrat in a wealthy suburban district that was once held by a Republican under different lines.
- Her campaign was supported by national progressives like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and she benefited from grassroots organizing despite low initial name recognition and opposition from groups like AIPAC.
- Mejia’s win contributes to a historic moment where a majority of New Jersey’s House and Senate seats will be held by people of color, and she is the first New Jersey congresswoman to be succeeded by another woman.
- Both Mejia and Hathaway are expected to face off again in the November general election, with Mejia emphasizing a commitment to fight for her constituents and Hathaway vowing to hold her accountable for her policies.
