Second verse, same as the first.
Rep. Analilia Mejia (D-11th Dist.), who handily defeated Republican Joe Hathaway in a special election back in April, did so again in Tuesday’s rematch.
The Associated Press called the race 18 minutes after polls closed at 8 pm. With about half of votes counted, Mejia held a 68% to 31% percent lead over the Randolph councilman in the contest for a full two-year term in the seat vacated by Gov. Mikie Sherrill.
The 11th Congressional District spans much of Morris County — including Greater Morristown — and parts of Essex and Passaic.
During the campaign, Hathaway tried to portray Mejia — a community organizer and former campaign staffer for Sen. Bernie Sanders — as a radical socialist whose policies were too extreme for the district.
Mejia painted Hathaway — a former member of Gov. Chris Christie’s administration and Yale football player — as someone who would “bend the knee” to President Trump.
“It is not a radical idea to say that this nation, the richest nation that many have ever seen, has a duty to its people to put human life over profits,” Mejia told exuberant supporters at a Montclair pizzeria.
Video: ‘What we know is people power IS the power.’ Video by Ellen Wilkowe for Morristown Green, Nov. 3, 2026:
Citing immigration enforcement that treats people and the rule of law as “disposable,” and baffling, “incredibly dangerous” levels of corruption and cowardice, Mejia called on America to live up to its promises: “That every child born in this nation is born free. That we are all equal as human beings, and we do deserve an opportunity to do more than just survive,” with access to healthcare for all.
In a statement, Hathaway congratulated Mejia but sounded a defiant note: “We cannot sit back while socialism gains ground in Washington, while government grows more intrusive, and while the common-sense values that built this country are pushed further to the sidelines.”
And he called on the GOP to “wake up” and take a hard look at itself.
“It is time for the next generation of Republican leadership to step forward. Not tomorrow. Not in another election cycle. Right now.
“Our party cannot simply rely on the battles of yesterday to win the fights of tomorrow. We need leaders who understand the challenges facing young families, who recognize that affordability is not a talking point but a daily struggle, and who are willing to stand on principle without being consumed by partisan politics,” Hathaway said.
“We need a Republican Party that is not just against the radical policies of the left, but is unapologetically for something: Freedom, prosperity, safer communities, stronger families, and a government that works for the people it serves,” Hathaway said.
Ellen Wilkowe contributed to this report.
MORE TO COME
MORE ON MEJIA-HATHAWAY 2026 CAMPAIGNS
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