Analilia Mejia, a former labor organizer with backing from progressive figures like Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, will be heading to Congress. Mejia ran on a progressive platform that included Medicare for All, a $25 minimum wage (where the first $40,000 would be tax-free), a wealth tax, abolishing ICE, and holding the Trump administration accountable. On Thursday, she convincingly beat Republican candidate Joe Hathaway in a special election for New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District.
With a nearly 20-point win, Mejia will complete the remaining eight months of the term previously held by moderate Democratic Gov. Mikie Sherrill, who left the Legislature after winning the governorship in November.
Mejia is expected to align with a younger, more progressive group of House Democrats, often referred to as “the squad,” and she called herself a “brassy new member” during her victory speech.
The special election was critical as Republicans sought to maintain a fragile House majority. They were hopeful to pick up this suburban district, where Sherrill had won re-election by 15 points and the gubernatorial race by a similar margin.
Hathaway, a former mayor seeking to position himself as a practical alternative, attempted to label Mejia as too far left for the district. He expressed confidence about his chances before the election, stating that the voters would choose common-sense leaders. However, he ultimately fell short amid challenging political dynamics for the GOP.
In her victory remarks, Mejia refuted claims of being an extremist, asserting that the idea that one of the wealthiest nations should better protect its citizens is not radical.
About Analilia Mejia
Mejia was born in New Jersey, to Colombian and Dominican immigrant parents. Previously, she worked as a labor organizer and was the national political director for Sanders’ 2020 campaign. She also served in the Department of Labor during Biden’s presidency. Mejia made headlines in February by narrowly defeating former Rep. Tom Malinowski in the Democratic primary, emerging as the choice of the party’s left wing.
Besides the endorsements from Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez, other progressive leaders like Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Rep. Pramila Jayapal backed her campaign.
Positions on Immigration and the Supreme Court
Mejia has been vocal against President Trump’s stringent immigration policies, advocating for the abolition of ICE and stating, “I say abolish ICE now.” Following incidents of violence during immigration protests, she emphasized voters’ desires for representatives who genuinely advocate for them.
On the topic of the Supreme Court, she criticized its current conservative majority, claiming they prioritize fulfilling Trump’s agenda over the rule of law and calling for accountability from justices she accused of corruption.
Student Loan Debt and Economic Policies
Mejia pledged to erase all student loan debt and to push for tuition-free community and technical education. She also highlighted the need for a minimum wage that reflects the rising cost of living, supporting a national minimum wage of $25 an hour.
Stance on Israel
Mejia’s views on Israel were notably tougher than her predecessor’s, as she likened its actions against Palestinians in Gaza to genocide. This raised eyebrows among some constituents, including Jewish voters, who expressed concerns over her rhetoric. She clarified that criticism of Israeli government actions should not equate to anti-Semitism.
While Hathaway attempted to capitalize on these statements, including gaining traction from areas with large Jewish populations, it ultimately wasn’t sufficient to overcome her overall support in the election.
