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Crowded Democratic Primary Held for New Jersey's 11th District House Seat
The winner will face the Republican nominee in a special election to replace former Rep. Mikie Sherrill.
Feb. 6, 2026 at 12:39am
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New Jersey Democrats voted in a crowded primary election on Thursday to select their party's nominee for the U.S. House seat in the 11th Congressional District. The seat was vacated after former Rep. Mikie Sherrill won the race for New Jersey governor. Among the leading Democratic candidates were former Rep. Tom Malinowski, Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill, and former state officials Analilia Mejia and Tahesha Way. The winner will face Randolph Mayor Joe Hathaway, the unopposed Republican nominee, in the special election on April 16.
Why it matters
This race to replace former Rep. Sherrill is seen as a key battleground in the fight for control of the House of Representatives. The 11th District has historically leaned Republican, but has trended more Democratic in recent years, making it an important pickup opportunity for both parties.
The details
The Democratic primary featured a crowded field of candidates vying to represent the 11th Congressional District, which covers parts of Essex, Morris, and Passaic counties in northern New Jersey. Among the leading contenders were former Rep. Tom Malinowski, who had the endorsement of Sen. Andy Kim, and Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill, who has close ties to former Gov. Phil Murphy. Other notable candidates included Analilia Mejia, a former political director for Sen. Bernie Sanders, and Tahesha Way, a former lieutenant governor and secretary of state.
- Polls closed on the evening of Thursday, February 6, 2026 for the Democratic primary election.
- The special general election between the Democratic nominee and Republican nominee Joe Hathaway will be held on April 16, 2026.
The players
Mikie Sherrill
Former U.S. Representative for New Jersey's 11th Congressional District, who recently won election as New Jersey's governor.
Joe Hathaway
The Republican nominee for New Jersey's 11th Congressional District, who was unopposed in the Republican primary.
Tom Malinowski
Former U.S. Representative who is a leading Democratic candidate in the primary to replace Mikie Sherrill.
Brendan Gill
Essex County Commissioner with close ties to former New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, and a leading Democratic candidate in the primary.
Analilia Mejia
Former political director for Senator Bernie Sanders, and a Democratic candidate in the primary.
What’s next
The winner of the Democratic primary will face Republican nominee Joe Hathaway in the special general election on April 16, 2026 to determine who will represent New Jersey's 11th Congressional District.
The takeaway
The crowded Democratic primary for New Jersey's 11th District House seat highlights the competitive nature of this race, which could play a pivotal role in determining the balance of power in Congress. The district's recent political shifts make it an important battleground for both parties as they seek to gain or maintain a majority in the House.
