Joe Hathaway

Joe Hathaway is the Republican nominee for New Jersey's 11th Congressional District. A Clifton native and Yale graduate, he worked as an aide to Gov. Chris Christie and then in the private sector before joining the Randolph Township Council in 2022; colleagues chose him as mayor in 2025. He lost the April 2026 special election to Analilia Mejia, 60.2% to 39.4%, and won the June 2026 Republican primary for the full term unopposed.[1][2]

Joe Hathaway was born and raised in Clifton, New Jersey, and graduated from Clifton High School. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Yale University in 2009, where he played football, and he describes himself as the son of an Army veteran.[1][2] After returning to New Jersey, he worked in the administration of Gov. Chris Christie (R) as the governor's advance director of special events. He then worked in the private sector, managing executive communications and operations in the healthcare and financial fields.[1][2]

Hathaway was appointed to the Randolph Township Council in 2022, was re-elected in 2022 and 2024, and was chosen by his council colleagues as mayor at the start of 2025, the position he held when he announced his congressional run.[2][1] He announced his run for NJ-11 in October 2025. He was the only Republican in the February 5, 2026 special primary (97.4%), then lost the April 16, 2026 special general election to Analilia Mejia, 60.2% to 39.4%.[2][1] He won the June 2, 2026 Republican primary for the full term unopposed.[1]

Researched from the cited sources on 2026-10-21.