ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — The Democratic and Republican candidates for Gov. Mikie Sherrill's old Congress seat in the 11th district have been ramping up their campaigns ahead of the 2026 election – and both have been active in Essex County.
The stage is set for a November showdown in New Jersey's 11th congressional district, with a rematch coming between Analilia Mejia, the Democratic incumbent, and Republican challenger Joe Hathaway. An independent candidate, Alan Bond, will also be appearing on the ballot.
The district includes several towns in Essex, Morris and Passaic counties (see list below).
Learn more about each candidate's platform and qualifications at the following links:
HATHAWAY: 'THE ISSUES THAT MATTER MOST'
Hathaway recently made an appearance at a Women Warriors of the Constitution award dinner, which was hosted by the Essex County Republican Women.
"It was a great night celebrating some incredible women," he commented about the gala, which was held a tribute to community members whose "leadership, advocacy and service" have made a meaningful impact throughout the state.
Hathaway was also recently in Millburn, where he endorsed two Republicans in the upcoming township committee race.
Earlier this week, Hathaway invited residents and military veterans to join him at a Town Hall event at the VFW in Roseland, part of an ongoing series he has been holding in NJ-11.
Hathaway also made a recent campaign appearance at the Maplewood Train Station, where he spoke with local voters about "the issues that matter most to them and their families."
MEJIA: 'FIRED UP AND READY'
In addition to her duties as a congresswoman, Mejia – a Glen Ridge resident – has been making visits to towns across Essex County as she ramps up her re-election campaign.
Last week, Mejia joined elected officials and community members from Glen Ridge for the launch of a new local resource guide. The community came with questions about "everything and anything" — from permits to paddle tennis, she said.
Mejia was recently in Maplewood, where she reported that voters are "fired up and ready to elect Democrats up and down the ballot." Like Hathaway, the congresswoman has also been campaigning at train stations and speaking to commuters about their concerns.
Earlier this week, Mejia held a Town Hall in Bloomfield, where her campaign saw eager support from local Democrats during the primary election. Topics under discussion included voting rights and artificial intelligence.
"President Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress are making decisions right now that will shape our communities for years to come," Mejia said. "From the affordability crisis and President Trump's immigration enforcement agenda to the rapid rise of AI and ongoing fights over voting rules, the stakes are real."
2026 ELECTION IN NJ-11
Mejia won a special election earlier this year to fill the remainder of Sherrill's unexpired term in the U.S. House of Representatives, emerging with a win in the Democratic primary and defeating Hathaway and Bond in the general election.
Mejia, a longtime labor organizer, said progressive causes like raising the federal minimum wage were a big reason why she earned a win on Election Day.
Hathaway recently said he is said he is plowing ahead full steam for this November, when a full term in Congress is at stake.
"From the very beginning, our campaign focused on bringing people together around a simple idea: that our district deserves common sense, practical leadership that puts families first, not a political party, not a president, and certainly not a squad," Hathaway said.
WHERE IS THE 11TH DISTRICT?
New Jersey's 11th Congressional District includes the following municipalities:
Essex County – Belleville, Bloomfield, Cedar Grove, Fairfield, Glen Ridge, Livingston, Maplewood, Millburn, Montclair (part), North Caldwell, Nutley, Roseland, South Orange, West Caldwell
Morris County – Boonton, Boonton Township, Butler, Chatham, Chatham Township, Denville, Dover, East Hanover, Florham Park, Hanover, Harding, Jefferson, Kinnelon, Lincoln Park, Madison, Mendham Twp (part), Montville, Morris Plains, Morris Township, Morristown Town, Mountain Lakes, Parsippany-Troy Hills, Pequannock, Randolph, Riverdale, Rockaway, Rockaway Township, Victory Gardens
Passaic County – Little Falls, Totowa, Wayne (part), Woodland Park
>> Related: Mejia, Hathaway Find Common Ground Over Lt. Gov Scandal As They Battle For Congress Seat
>> Related: NJ-11 Indy Candidate Takes Another Run At Congress Seat
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