2026 Midterms · U.S. House · New Jersey Safe
New Jersey — 11th District
Democratic
Analilia Mejia
Incumbent
Republican
Joe Hathaway
Incumbent Democrat Analilia Mejia faces Republican nominee Joe Hathaway in New Jersey's 11th Congressional District general election on November 3, 2026. Mejia took office in April 2026 after winning a special election to replace Mikie Sherrill, who resigned upon being elected governor. The race contrasts Mejia's progressive platform—centered on Medicare for All, wealth taxes, student loan cancellation, and public housing—against Hathaway's conservative approach focused on tax relief for first-time homebuyers, price transparency, capping student loan interest, and spending discipline. Major election handicappers (Cook Political Report, Inside Elections, Sabato's Crystal Ball, DDHQ/The Hill) rate the race as Solid or Safe Democratic.
Healthcare
high salienceMejia advocates replacing private insurance with universal Medicare for All, whereas Hathaway opposes government-run healthcare in favor of price transparency, PBM reform, and expanded Health Savings Accounts.
Housing & Homeownership
high salienceMejia seeks to construct 8.5 million public housing units and ban private equity home purchases, while Hathaway proposes federal tax freezes and refundable credits specifically for first-time homebuyers.
Higher Education & Student Debt
high salienceMejia calls for canceling all student loan debt and granting free public college tuition, whereas Hathaway opposes debt cancellation in favor of capping loan interest rates and investing in vocational training.
Taxes & Economic Policy
high salienceMejia advocates for taxing fortunes over $50 million and making initial wages tax-free, while Hathaway focuses on curbing federal spending, cutting small business red tape, and enforcing pay-as-you-go rules.
Childcare & Family Support
high salienceMejia supports direct federal caps on childcare expenses funded by corporate wealth taxes, whereas Hathaway advocates expanding the Child Tax Credit and dedicated family tax breaks.
Infrastructure & Transportation
high salienceBoth candidates prioritize fully funding the Gateway Tunnel, but Mejia focuses on direct NJ Transit funding increases while Hathaway emphasizes One Seat Ride options and highway corridor repairs.
Energy & Climate
medium salienceMejia advocates for clean energy investments and a moratorium on AI data centers, whereas Hathaway supports an all-of-the-above policy expanding oil and gas while opposing offshore wind turbines.
Government Reform, Ethics & Democracy
medium salienceMejia advocates for constitutional campaign finance amendments and Supreme Court term limits, while Hathaway emphasizes cutting federal agency redundancy and curbing government spending growth.
Public Safety, Border Security & Foreign Policy
medium salienceMejia calls for abolishing ICE and protecting due process rights, whereas Hathaway supports funding law enforcement, securing the border, and supporting allies like Israel and Ukraine.