The race to fill the open seat in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District has taken a new turn as candidate Analilia Mejia calls on Democratic leaders in Essex, Morris, and Passaic Counties to take a hands-off approach in the upcoming special primary. In a message directed to county committee members, Mejia argues that the moment demands transparency, neutrality, and an authentic choice for voters as the district prepares for a condensed and highly scrutinized election cycle.
The request follows Essex County’s announcement of a virtual convention scheduled for December 2—just one day after the petition deadline for candidates seeking placement on the primary ballot. The timing has raised concerns among campaigns and grassroots organizers who note that many families will still be returning from Thanksgiving travel as the internal endorsement process gets underway.
Mejia, who serves on the Essex County Democratic Committee herself, said the goal is not to sidestep party support but to prevent a process that appears predetermined. She emphasized that an open competition is vital for public trust, particularly in a district with shifting political dynamics and a diverse electorate eager for a meaningful say in who will represent them.
In her letter, she contends that neutrality is both a principled stance and a strategic one. She states that avoiding early endorsements would give Democratic voters confidence that the process is fair, allow candidates to make their case directly to the electorate, and help the party conserve resources for what is expected to be an intense general election cycle. Mejia also argues that the next nominee should emerge through an unfiltered democratic process—one that ensures the eventual candidate genuinely reflects the priorities of residents across the 11th District.
Her appeal touches on a theme that often surfaces in conversations with local voters: frustration with insider maneuvering and an increasing perception that party decisions are made behind closed doors. Mejia points to national polling that reflects declining trust not only in institutions but within the Democratic Party itself, warning that early endorsements in an open-seat primary could reinforce those concerns. In her view, a neutral posture from county committees would signal a renewed commitment to fairness, engagement, and stronger democratic participation.
She also notes that the national Democratic Party has already taken steps in this direction, instituting reforms that require neutrality from national officers during primaries. Mejia argues that New Jersey’s county organizations should align themselves with these standards, particularly in a high-profile special election.
The special primary was triggered when Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill announced that she would vacate her congressional seat. The vote to determine the party’s nominee will take place on Thursday, February 5, 2026, giving candidates only a short runway to introduce themselves to voters, sharpen their policy messages, and build support before ballots are cast.
Mejia, a longtime labor advocate and progressive organizer, brings decades of political experience to the race. Her résumé includes leading campaigns for New Jersey’s $15 minimum wage and statewide paid sick day laws, serving as National Political Director for Bernie Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign, and co-directing Popular Democracy, a network of grassroots groups focused on justice and community empowerment. She resides in Glen Ridge with her husband and two sons.
As campaign season accelerates, Explore New Jersey will continue to track developments across the district and statewide. For more political coverage and updates, visit our [politics] section.
