A special election Tuesday will determine who fills the remainder of former Representative Mikie Sherrill’s House term in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District. Democrat Analilia Mejia faces Republican Joe Hathaway in a contest that carries implications for the closely divided House of Representatives. Sherrill vacated the seat after winning the 2025 gubernatorial election and taking office as New Jersey’s governor earlier this year.

The Candidates and District

Analilia Mejia represents the Democratic Party in a district that has trended toward centrist politics in recent cycles. Joe Hathaway carries the Republican banner in a race that will test voter sentiment following Sherrill’s departure. The 11th District encompasses suburban and exurban communities in northern New Jersey, where fiscal responsibility and public safety often dominate local concerns. Both candidates have emphasized their commitment to representing the district’s priorities in Washington.

Vote Counting and Expectations

NBC News calculates expected vote totals based on early voting data and reports from county election officials throughout the day. These estimates adjust as new information becomes available from polling locations across the district. The expected vote figure represents the projected total number of ballots once all votes are counted, including early votes, Election Day votes, and any provisional ballots that require verification. County officials continue updating vote counts as precincts report their results to state election authorities.

What This Election Means

The winner will serve the remaining portion of Sherrill’s term through January 2027. This special election outcome could affect the balance of power in the House, where every seat carries significant weight for legislative priorities and committee assignments. New Jersey voters have the opportunity to signal their preferences on national issues while selecting local representation for the district’s remaining time in this congressional term.

Sherrill’s Path to Governor

Mikie Sherrill won the New Jersey governorship in November 2025 and took office in early 2026. Her resignation from the House created the vacancy that triggered this special election. Sherrill served the 11th District after first winning election in 2018, flipping a seat that had been held by Republicans for decades. Her departure left an open question about whether the district would remain in Democratic hands or return to Republican representation.