Meet The Indy Candidate Fighting For Sherrill’s Seat In NJ-11: Alan Bond

Can an independent candidate win one of the most-watched congressional elections in the Garden State? According to Alan Bond, the answer is a resounding “yes” – and he’s ready to walk the walk in New Jersey’s 11^th district.

Bond is one of three candidates running for Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s former seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Learn more about his background and plans if elected here.

A special primary election was held in February to determine the Democratic and Republican nominees to fill Sherrill’s unexpired seat in NJ-11, which includes several towns in Essex, Morris and Passaic counties. Analilia Mejia won the Democratic Party nod, and Joe Hathaway earned the Republican endorsement.

Mejia and Hathaway will match up against Bond in a special general election for all the marbles on April 16.

According to Bond – a Montclair resident – he is running to give voters a third option when they cast their ballots on Election Day.

Bond formerly worked as an investment adviser. He was sentenced to prison in connection with a kickback and cherry-picking scheme in 2003.

However, “much has changed” in the three decades since then, he says.

Bond’s campaign platform is focused on “economic opportunity, education, health care and community safety.” Some of his proposals include:

• Supporting Small Businesses – “Alan believes in policies that encourage entrepreneurship, support local businesses, and create pathways to economic security for all residents. We need to invest in infrastructure, workforce development, and technology to ensure our district remains competitive.”
• Education and Youth Development – “From early childhood education to workforce training, Alan is committed to investing in our young people. We must support teachers, modernize schools, and create pathways to college and careers for all students.”
• Health Care Affordability – “Health care should not be a luxury. Alan supports policies that expand access to quality care, reduce prescription drug costs, and ensure mental health services are available to all who need them.”
• Public Safety – “We need to support law enforcement while also addressing root causes of crime. Alan believes in community policing, criminal justice reform, and programs that reduce recidivism and help people rebuild their lives.”
• Environmental Stewardship – “Alan is committed to clean air and water, climate action, and green jobs. We can protect our environment while creating economic opportunities in renewable energy and sustainable industries.”
• Government Accountability – “As an independent, Alan is not beholden to special interests or partisan politics. He believes in transparent government, ethical leadership, and policies that put people first.”

According to Bond, the two-party system has failed in New Jersey’s 11^th district – and it’s time for a change.

“Independents have won elections across the country,” Bond asserts. “With grassroots support and a clear message, independents can compete and win.”

Bond said one advantage to being an independent candidate is the ability to work across party lines to find practical solutions to common problems – regardless of party affiliation.

That isn’t to say running as an independent is easy, he adds.

“Running as an independent candidate does present some challenges, particularly in gaining visibility in a race that is often framed around the major-party nominees,” Bond told Patch.

“At the same time, it has allowed me to engage directly with residents across District 11 who are looking for practical solutions and community-centered leadership beyond traditional partisan lines,” he said. “My campaign has focused on meeting voters where they are – through service work, neighborhood conversations and participation in community events throughout the district.”

For now – in addition to running for Congress – the Montclair resident is trying to make a difference through his work with St. Paul Baptist Church, including helping coordinate food pantry outreach and support for local families.

It’s an experience that has directly inspired his political aspirations, Bond said.

“Montclair has been considered a food desert for more than a decade, with no full-size supermarket serving much of the community,” he said. “Through our pantry outreach, we have seen firsthand how families are affected by rising costs and limited access to groceries.”

“This work is a major reason I chose to run for Congress,” Bond asserted. “I believe the real challenges families are facing – housing costs, food access and economic stability – deserve greater attention and practical solutions.”

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

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