Former Morristown Mayor Donald Cresitello formally launched his campaign Friday for New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District, entering a crowded Democratic primary just weeks after Analilia Mejia was sworn into the seat.
Cresitello, who served as mayor in the 1970s and again in the late 2000s, is seeking the nomination in the June 2 primary, positioning himself as a moderate focused on affordability, government accountability and national security.
“Too many families in New Jersey are struggling to keep up with the cost of living,” Cresitello said in announcing his candidacy. “Washington needs to focus on what matters—making life more affordable and restoring common sense to government.”
The 11th District, which includes a large portion of Morris County, including Greater Morristown, and parts of Essex and Passaic counties, was vacated when Mikie Sherrill resigned after winning the governorship. Mejia, a Democrat, won an April 16 special election to fill the remainder of the term and was sworn in April 21.
But the race for a full term is already underway.
Cresitello joins Mejia, Chatham Councilman Justin Strickland and tech engineer Joseph B. Lewis II in the Democratic primary.
A longtime figure in Morristown politics, Cresitello is emphasizing his experience in local government, including eight years as mayor, more than two decades on the town council, and 14 years on the planning board and redevelopment agency. His campaign said he held property tax increases to 1.8 percent during his tenure as mayor while overseeing development that included affordable housing.
He also pointed to his private-sector background in construction and development, saying it informs his approach to government.
“Government should work the same way—get things done, solve problems, and deliver results,” he said.
Cresitello’s platform includes lowering housing, healthcare and energy costs, opposing what he described as wasteful spending, and warning that tariffs can drive up consumer prices.
On foreign policy, he voiced support for Ukraine in its war with Russia and for Israel, while warning that Iran should not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons.
Cresitello also called for debates among Democratic candidates ahead of the primary.
“I welcome a full and open debate with every candidate in this race,” he said.
His entry sets up a contrast with Mejia, who struck a more progressive tone in her first speech on the House floor.
“Stand up, defend, restore not only our democracy but also a just economy that actually works for working people,” Mejia told colleagues after being sworn in, urging action to protect constitutional rights and economic fairness.
Introduced by Rep. Frank Pallone (D-6th Dist.), Mejia framed her remarks around her background as the daughter of immigrants and called for stronger protections for civil rights and working families.
With the primary just weeks away, the contest will test competing visions within the Democratic Party in a district that has become a political focal point in North Jersey.
MORE COVERAGE OF THE DISTRICT 11 SPECIAL RACE
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