Republican candidate Joe Hathaway is positioning himself as an independent voice as he competes in a special election for New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District. While acknowledging areas of agreement with Donald Trump, Hathaway has emphasized that he would not automatically support any political figure, stating he intends to approach issues on a case-by-case basis.
Hathaway is facing Democratic candidate Analilia Mejia, who has received backing from prominent progressive leaders such as Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. The election will determine who succeeds Mikie Sherrill, who left the congressional seat after winning the New Jersey gubernatorial race. The contest takes place in a district that has historically leaned Democratic, making it a challenging environment for Republican candidates.
The race comes at a time when control of the U.S. House remains closely divided, increasing national attention on competitive districts. Hathaway has framed his campaign as a choice between what he describes as a pragmatic, local-government-focused approach and a more ideologically driven platform. Meanwhile, Mejia has worked to consolidate Democratic support following a competitive primary.
Key issues in the race include economic policy, ideological direction, and foreign policy perspectives. During the campaign, disagreements have emerged over topics such as U.S. relations with Israel and broader political messaging. With a diverse electorate that includes a significant Jewish community, both candidates have sought to appeal to voters across the district as they make their case ahead of the election.