Shocking NJ-11 Race: You Won't Believe Who Just Dropped Out Before the Special Primary!

With less than a month remaining until the special primary election to fill the vacant seat in New Jersey's 11th Congressional District, the field of Democratic candidates has narrowed to eleven. This development follows the recent announcement by Maplewood committee member and former mayor Dean Dafis, who suspended his campaign just three weeks before early voting is set to begin.

Dafis, who expressed gratitude to his supporters, noted, “While I am ending my campaign today, the work continues. It is critical that we keep NJ-11 blue in April, flip the House and Senate, and stand up to MAGA in Washington.” His exit comes as the competition for the nomination intensifies, with a diverse array of candidates vying for votes in a district that encompasses parts of Essex, Morris, and Passaic counties.

Initially, the race featured 14 candidates, including a baker's dozen of Democrats and a lone Republican, Joe Hathaway, the mayor of Randolph. Notable Democratic contenders include Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill, former Rep. Tom Malinowski, and Cammie Croft, a former member of President Barack Obama’s administration. The presence of candidates from various backgrounds, including standup comedian J-L Cauvin, illustrates the eclectic nature of this contest.

The departure of both Dafis and Marc Chabaan, the youngest candidate in the race who endorsed Analilia Mejia, brings the number of Democratic contenders to eleven. The remaining candidates include Jeff Grayzel, Justin Strickland, and Tahesha Way, the current Lt. Governor, who has also thrown her hat into the ring. With the Republican candidate, Joe Hathaway, running unopposed, the Democratic primary is expected to be a competitive affair.

Endorsements and Early Voting

The political landscape is heating up as endorsements pour in from powerful labor unions, county party committees, and advocacy organizations. A significant endorsement came from outgoing Governor Phil Murphy, who backed Brendan Gill, a move interpreted as a snub to his own Lt. Governor, Tahesha Way. In the broader context of Democratic unity, Senator Andy Kim has endorsed Malinowski, further complicating the dynamics within the party as candidates jostle for position.

As anticipation builds for the February 5 primary, Murphy has set the early voting period from January 29 through February 3, 2026. Following the special primary, a general election will take place on April 16, 2026, with in-person early voting scheduled from April 6 through April 14.

To further engage constituents, several advocacy and media organizations, including Montclair Local, will host a meet-and-greet forum for all remaining candidates on January 15, 2026, at Caldwell University. This event will allow voters to interact directly with candidates, offering an opportunity to hear their platforms and engage in dialogue about the issues facing NJ-11.

As the race for the 11th Congressional District heats up, voters are urged to stay informed and make their voices heard in the upcoming election. With the stakes high and a diverse field of candidates, the outcome will undoubtedly shape the political landscape in New Jersey and influence broader national dynamics as the Democrats aim to maintain control of Congress.

The current roster of candidates includes:

• John Bartlett
• Zach Beecher
• J-L Cauvin
• Cammie L. Croft
• Brendan W. Gill
• Jeff Grayzel
• Joe Hathaway*
• Tom Malinowski
• Analilia Mejia
• Justin Strickland
• Tahesha Way
• Anna Lee Williams

*Republican candidate running unopposed