Special Election to Fill Congressional Seat in NJ-11
On Thursday, April 16, a special general election will take place to fill the unexpired seat of Governor Mikie Sherrill in the 11th Congressional District, which encompasses portions of Essex, Morris, and Passaic counties. Following this, the primary election is scheduled for June 2, with the general election set for November 3.
Three Candidates Competiting for the Open Seat
In contrast to the crowded February primary, voters will have the opportunity to choose among only three candidates in this election: Democratic candidate Analilia Mejia, Republican candidate Joe Hathaway, and independent candidate Alan B. Bond. Montclair Local previously profiled Mejia in February.
Joe Hathaway’s Experience and Background
Joe Hathaway, a Randolph resident, has been a member of the Randolph County Council since 2022 and served as mayor in 2025. His diverse experience spans corporate affairs and communications across both public and private sectors, particularly in healthcare and financial services. Hathaway previously worked as an aide to former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and holds a political science degree from Yale University. He ran unopposed in the February special primary for NJ-11 as the only Republican candidate.
Addressing New Jersey’s Affordability Crisis
Hathaway emphasizes that affordability is a significant challenge in New Jersey, citing the state’s high taxes and an alarming budget increase of $30 billion under the last governor. He advocates for strategies centered on reducing government involvement, cutting costs, and lowering taxes to promote affordability. His platform seeks to enhance homeownership opportunities, proposing a tax freeze for first-time homebuyers, as the average age for entering homeownership has climbed to about 40.
Hathaway believes that reallocating funds from larger government expenditures back to individuals can empower families. He also calls for increased investment in job training programs that provide practical skills to those who may not need a four-year degree, enabling them to enter the workforce effectively. By expanding the child care tax credit, he aims to support working families in balancing their careers and child-rearing responsibilities.
Pursuing Reform in Immigration and ICE Policies
Amidst heightened immigration enforcement measures during the Trump administration, issues surrounding the ICE have sparked protests, especially following the shooting deaths of two Americans by ICE agents in January. Hathaway advocates for a pragmatic approach to reform ICE practices, arguing the importance of better training and technology to enhance safety and efficiency. He holds that local law enforcement should play a crucial role in such matters, criticizing current policies that may hinder cooperation between federal and local agencies.
Motivation for Running and Leadership Vision
Hathaway’s motivation for running for the congressional seat stems from his desire to bring practical and independent leadership back to Washington. He advocates for a focus on addressing local challenges rather than scoring political points or adhering strictly to party lines. Having firsthand knowledge of issues such as high-density housing and water infrastructure, he believes that mayors have valuable insights that can benefit federal policymaking to support communities in New Jersey.
This special election also provides voters with a unique opportunity to evaluate a Republican candidate in a shorter-term race. Hathaway suggests that the electorate will have a chance to observe his leadership style and assertiveness in delivering on promises during his first six months in office, making it a critical time to assess his fit for the role.
