Analilia Mejia: Congressional Candidate and Controversial Statements

Analilia Mejia is running for Congress in New Jersey’s 11th District, and her past social media activity and public comments have drawn attention. She’s been critical of law enforcement and Israel, while expressing support for socialist ideals and making statements that liken immigrant detention centers to concentration camps.

In her campaign for the 11th Congressional District—a region noted for its high level of education and wealth, with less than a 10-point difference in the upcoming presidential election—Mejia aims to make a significant impact.

Before her congressional run, she worked on the staff of Senator Bernie Sanders from Vermont, who has endorsed her, along with Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Elizabeth Warren.

A look at Mejia’s social media reflects her advocacy for socialism and government involvement in essential services. For instance, in 2016, she described Jesus as “probably a democratic socialist,” and, in 2019, labeled taxpayer-funded services like police and fire departments as examples of socialism.

Later that year, she stated that immigrant detention centers are essentially concentration camps. Mejia has also called for the abolition of ICE and sought justice for a woman shot by ICE agents under disputed circumstances.

In the wake of George Floyd’s death, she conveyed understanding toward the unrest and fear surrounding police during protests. She even shared a personal account of a dream in which she felt fear while being stopped by police, suggesting a deep societal issue at hand. More recently in 2023, she reiterated criticisms of law enforcement, arguing that anti-Black sentiment is prevalent in the U.S.

Following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, Mejia expressed profound horror regarding the situation in Gaza, suggesting that increased repression is not the answer and only a just peace can resolve the ongoing conflict. However, a month later, she accused Israel of committing genocide.

Since 2022, Mejia has served as co-executive director of the advocacy organization Center for Popular Democracy in Action, which is poised for establishment in 2024. In her statements, she has emphasized the ongoing issues in Gaza and discussed community safety without police intervention.

Critics, particularly from the Republican camp, highlight her statements as misaligned with the sentiments of voters in her district. The NRCC’s spokeswoman called Mejia a “socialist radical,” asserting that her viewpoints on issues like defunding the police and her stance on Israel are not welcomed by New Jersey residents.