Joe Hathaway
Won the June 2, 2026 Republican primary unopposed; also the Republican nominee in the April 2026 special election, which he lost
Joe Hathaway is the Republican nominee for New Jersey's 11th Congressional District. He is a former mayor of Randolph Township and Randolph Township Council member who also worked as an aide to Gov. Chris Christie, and lost the April 2026 special election to Analilia Mejia before winning the regular June 2026 primary unopposed.[2]
Positions on the issues
- OpposesFaster transition away from fossil fuels
Opposes offshore wind development off the New Jersey coast and supports continued production of natural gas and other fossil fuels alongside nuclear and land-based renewables.[5]
- SupportsExpand immigration enforcement and deportations
Supports increased funding for Border Patrol technology and presence and stronger enforcement against fentanyl trafficking.[5]
- SupportsIncrease police funding and staffing
Supports securing federal funding for local police training, equipment, and technology.[5]
- SupportsContinue U.S. military aid to Israel
Says he will stand firmly with Israel as it "combats terrorism" and with Ukraine against Russia's invasion.[5]
“I will stand firmly with our allies, including Israel as it combats terrorism, and Ukraine as it defends itself against Russia’s illegal invasion.”
- OpposesExpand public health coverage
Focuses on preserving Social Security and Medicare for current retirees through spending oversight rather than expanding public coverage; does not call for expanded public health coverage.[5]
In their words — priorities
- Eliminating or freezing federal taxes for first-time homebuyers and creating a refundable federal tax credit to offset closing costs.[5]
- Pursuing an "all-of-the-above" energy strategy including nuclear, natural gas, solar, and land-based wind, while opposing offshore wind turbines off the Jersey Shore.[5]
- Cutting federal regulations and red tape for small businesses and expanding tax incentives for local job creators.[5]
- Increasing funding and support for local law enforcement and border security, including anti-fentanyl trafficking enforcement.[5]
Background
- Born in Clifton, New Jersey; earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Yale University in 2009.[2]
- Worked in healthcare and financial-sector executive communications and operations roles.[2]
- Served as an aide to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R).[2]
- Served on the Randolph Township Council and as Mayor of Randolph.[2]
- Won the special Republican primary for NJ-11 in February 2026 with 97.4% of the vote, then lost the April 16, 2026 special general election to Analilia Mejia, 60.2%-39.4%.[2]
Campaign money
Raised $658K · spent $653K · $5,036 cash on hand (through 2026-06-30) FEC filing ↗