Democrat Analilia Mejia Wins Special Election for New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s Former Seat

Mejia’s victory narrows the Republican majority in the House.

Analilia Mejia, the Democratic candidate running for New Jersey's 11th congressional district, talks to people at coffee shop in Morristown, N.J., on March 24, 2026. Seth Wenig/AP Photo

Analilia Mejia, a Democratic activist and labor organizer, won the April 16 special election to fill New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherill’s former seat in Congress.

Shortly after the Associated Press called the race at 8:07 p.m. ET, Mejia led Republican mayor Joe Hathaway by around a 40-point margin to take the seat for New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District.