This Sanders-backed progressive is aiming for a seat in Congress: Who is Analilia Mejia?
NJ CD 11 Special Election - Democratic Candidate Analilia Mejia
A one-on-one discussion with Democratic Candidate Analilia Mejia ahead of the special election to fill the House seat vacated by Governor Mikie Sherrill! That special election taking place on Thursday, April 16th in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District!
NEW JERSEY - Democratic candidate Analilia Mejia is gunning for Gov. Mikie Sherrill's old seat in Congress.
Here's a closer look at her past, and what she's planning for New Jersey's future.
Analilia Mejia, US Democratic House candidate for New Jersey, speaks to supporters and members of the media at Paper Plane Coffee Co. in Montclair, New Jersey, US, on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. Mejia is one of 11 Democrats vying to fill the House seat
Who is Analilia Mejia?
What we know:
Mejia was born in New Jersey to Colombian and Dominican immigrants.
After starting as a union organizer, Mejia served as the National Political Director for Sen. Bernie Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign, and in the Department of Labor under former President Joe Biden.
Mejia declares victory in NJ special election primary
Analilia Mejia has declared victory in primary for New Jersey's 11th Congressional district special election.
She is currently the Co-Executive Director of Popular Democracy, a network of grassroots organizations across the country.
Issues, platform
Local perspective:
Two of the most prevalent issues listed on Mejia's campaign website include canceling student loan debt and calling for the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The Democratic nominee also mentions holding President Donald Trump and his allies "accountable for their corruption."
Other issues Mejia highlights in her campaign platform include:
- Guaranteeing paid sick leave on a federal level
- Providing Medicare for All
- Supporting articles of impeachment against Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito
Endorsements
As of now, Mejia touts endorsements from Sen. Bernie Sanders, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and several other politicians.
The Source: This article includes information from Analilia Mejia's campaign website.