13 Democrats Jump Into NJ Special Election to Replace Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill — High-Stakes 2026 Preview

Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill’s victory in New Jersey’s gubernatorial race has triggered a crowded special election to fill her vacated U.S. House seat in the 11th Congressional District. Thirteen Democrats filed to compete for the party nomination, setting up a competitive primary that could help shape Democratic messaging heading into the consequential 2026 midterm cycle.

Key dates: Candidates were required to submit at least 500 valid signatures to qualify for the ballot. The special primary is scheduled for Feb. 5, 2026, and the special general election will take place on April 16, 2026. Outgoing Governor Phil Murphy issued the writ of election on Nov. 21 after Sherrill formally resigned her House seat.

Notable candidates and endorsements

Brendan Gill — Essex County commissioner-at-large. Endorsed by Gov. Phil Murphy, Gill emphasizes affordability and protecting civil liberties, representing 22 Essex County municipalities.

Analilia Mejia — National political director for Bernie Sanders’ 2020 campaign and co-executive director of Popular Democracy. Endorsed by Sen. Bernie Sanders, Mejia previously served in the Department of Labor and positions herself as a progressive fighter for working families and communities of color.

Tom Malinowski — Former U.S. representative who lost re-election in 2022 and served in the Obama administration. Endorsed by Sen. Andy Kim, Malinowski highlights his national security and human-rights experience.

Tahesha Way — Outgoing lieutenant governor and former New Jersey secretary of state. Endorsed by the Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association, Way emphasizes expanding opportunity and delivering results from day one.

Other contenders

Justin Strickland — Chatham councilman, U.S. Army veteran and former Pentagon official. A Bronze Star recipient, Strickland centers his campaign on affordability and economic opportunity.

Anna Lee Williams — Activist with a decade of nonprofit and private-sector organizing experience.

Jeff Grayzel — Local official and former mayor of Morris Township focused on everyday issues: taxes, development, infrastructure and public safety.

Zach Beecher — U.S. Army veteran and current Army Reserve major making his political debut, citing costs, health care and national leadership as priorities for running.

John Bartlett — Passaic County commissioner positioning himself as a results-oriented day-one leader with a record in public service.

Cammie Croft — A former Affordable Care Act staffer who later founded a clean-energy nonprofit; campaigns on lowering costs, combating corruption and bipartisan immigration reform.

Marc Chaaban — Former Sherrill staffer and one of the youngest candidates at 25; focuses on political reform, banning congressional stock trading and restricting corporate PAC influence.

Dean Dafis — Maplewood township committeeman and former mayor who emphasizes affordability and civil-rights issues; the first openly LGBTQ member of the Maplewood Township Committee.

J.L. Cauvin — Community advocate, attorney and comedian advocating for senior protections, housing affordability, AI policy leadership, and stricter rules on congressional ethics and term limits.

Republican field

The Republican side currently lists one candidate: Joe Hathaway, mayor of Randolph Township and a former aide to Gov. Chris Christie. Hathaway will likely be the GOP nominee to face the Democratic primary winner in April.

What’s at stake

This special election is more than a local contest: it is an early test of messaging and organizing for both parties ahead of the 2026 midterms. With a wide array of candidates — from veterans and former administration officials to progressive organizers and emerging Gen Z leaders — the 11th District race will reveal which issues energize Democratic voters in a district that could influence broader party strategy.

Note: All candidate details reflect the filings and public statements available at the time of publication.