MORRIS COUNTY — Republican congressional nominee Joe Hathaway emerged as the clear winner of Monday night’s League of Women Voters debate, according to his campaign, which said he drew a sharp contrast between his common-sense vision for New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District and what it called Congresswoman Analilia Mejia’s radical, far-left progressive agenda.
Throughout the debate, Hathaway positioned himself as a new generation of American leadership, focused on lowering costs, strengthening public safety, supporting small businesses and delivering practical solutions for New Jersey families, the campaign said. It said Mejia was left defending a policy agenda closely aligned with the democratic socialist movement, which the campaign described as increasingly out of touch with the district.
“Tonight, voters saw the clear choice in this election: common sense or radical ideology,” said Hathaway. “I’m running to make life more affordable, keep our communities safe, and bring a new generation of independent leadership to Washington, while my opponent continues to embrace policies that I believe would make life harder for working families. Ms. Mejia can continue championing the agenda of democratic socialist activists, but I’m going to stand up for the people of this district, regardless of political party. On November 3rd, we have an opportunity to turn the page, restore sanity, and put the needs of New Jersey families first.”
As a former Mayor of Randolph, Hathaway leaned into his experience delivering results at the local level, supporting law enforcement and working to protect taxpayers. His campaign said his recent endorsement by the New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association heightened the contrast with Mejia, who the campaign said has voted against congressional measures to stop the defunding of police and to support law enforcement.
On economic issues, Hathaway outlined his commitment to lowering costs, expanding opportunities for small businesses and protecting access to private health insurance. Mejia embraced proposals including a $25 minimum wage and a government-run single-payer health care system, policies Hathaway said would impose enormous costs on taxpayers and small businesses and unnecessarily increase the role of government in the economy.
With Election Day on Tuesday, November 3, Hathaway’s campaign said the debate reinforced the central choice facing voters: a candidate focused on practical results and independent leadership, or an incumbent committed to advancing progressive proposals championed by democratic socialist activists.
Hathaway serves on the Randolph Township Council and is the immediate past Mayor. He lives in Randolph with his wife, Whitney, and their three young children.
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