Progressive Democrat Backed by Sanders, AOC Faces Test in Moderate NJ Suburb

Voters in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District head to the polls April 16 to fill the seat vacated by Gov. Mikie Sherrill.

Analilia Mejia, coexecutive director of the Center for Popular Democracy, speaks during a news conference outside the U.S. Capitol on April 19, 2023. Alex Wong/Getty Images

Early voting is underway in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District, where Democratic candidate Analilia Mejia and Republican Joe Hathaway are competing in an April 16 special election for the House seat that was left open when Gov. Mikie Sherrill resigned after winning the gubernatorial election.

The winner will serve the remainder of Sherrill’s term through January 2027. The seat is also on the ballot in the regular June primary and November general election for a full two-year term. An independent candidate, Alan Bond, is also running.