New Jersey Democrats Choose Candidate for Sherrill's US House Seat

Crowded field vies for competitive primary in 11th District special election

Feb. 5, 2026 at 5:47am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

New Jersey Democratic voters are selecting their party's nominee in a special election for the U.S. House seat vacated by Mikie Sherrill's victory in the race for governor. The crowded Democratic primary field includes several high-profile candidates, while the Republican race features Randolph Mayor Joe Hathaway running unopposed.

Why it matters

This special election in New Jersey's 11th Congressional District will determine who fills the seat left open by Mikie Sherrill's gubernatorial win. The district has historically leaned Republican but has trended more Democratic in recent years, making it a key battleground in the 2026 midterm elections.

The details

Among the leading Democratic candidates are former Rep. Tom Malinowski, who has the endorsement of Sen. Andy Kim, and Brendan Gill, an Essex County commissioner with close ties to former Gov. Phil Murphy. Analilia Mejia, a progressive activist, has the backing of Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Tahesha Way, a former lieutenant governor and secretary of state, is also in the race. The crowded field reflects the competitive nature of the primary in this swing district.

  • The Democratic primary election is being held on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
  • The special general election is scheduled for April 16, 2026.

The players

Mikie Sherrill

The incumbent U.S. Representative for New Jersey's 11th Congressional District, who is vacating the seat after winning the race for governor.

Joe Hathaway

The Republican mayor of Randolph, who is running unopposed in the GOP primary for the 11th District seat.

Tom Malinowski

A former U.S. Representative who is seeking the Democratic nomination for the 11th District seat.

Brendan Gill

An elected commissioner in Essex County and a close ally of former Gov. Phil Murphy, running for the Democratic nomination.

Analilia Mejia

A progressive activist with the endorsements of Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, also running for the Democratic nomination.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The special general election for the 11th District seat is scheduled for April 16, 2026, following the Democratic primary on February 5.

The takeaway

This special election in New Jersey's 11th Congressional District will be a key battleground in the 2026 midterm elections, as Democrats seek to hold onto a seat that has historically leaned Republican but has trended more competitive in recent years.