Progressive Mejia Wins New Jersey U.S. House Seat

Democrat Analilia Mejia won a New Jersey 11th District special election for the U.S. House, defeating Republican Joe Hathaway and keeping the seat in Democratic hands for the remainder of the term. Backed by Bernie Sanders and other progressives, Mejia ran on populist economic policy, immigration reform, and support for Palestinian communities, while Hathaway framed the race as requiring common-sense leadership and rejected a far-left label. The AP called the race after polls closed, and Mejia could face Hathaway again in November for a full two-year term; the district has trended more Democratic in recent elections.