By Blessing Nweke

Democrat Analilia Mejia has won the special election to fill the U.S. House seat vacated by New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill, defeating Republican Joe Hathaway, according to projections.

Mejia, a progressive activist backed by Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, entered the race as the favorite in the state’s 11th Congressional District. The district has leaned Democratic in recent cycles, with former Vice President Kamala Harris winning it by nine points in 2024 and Sherrill carrying it by 15 points in last year’s gubernatorial race.

With her victory, Mejia will serve the remainder of Sherrill’s term and trim Republicans’ narrow House majority to 218-214.

Mejia emerged from a crowded Democratic primary field that included former Rep. Tom Malinowski, former Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way and Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill. She secured the nomination with less than 30% of the vote.

Running on a progressive platform, Mejia advocated abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement, raising taxes on wealthy Americans, and expanding universal health care and child care. She has also been sharply critical of President Donald Trump and Israel’s actions in Gaza.

Financially, Mejia outraised Hathaway by a wide margin, bringing in more than $1 million by late March, compared to his $500,000.

The general election remained relatively low-key, reflecting the district’s Democratic tilt. A regularly scheduled primary for a full term beginning in 2027 is set for June.