Statement from Analilia Mejia Following NJ-11 Congressional Debate

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 1, 2026

CONTACTS:

Alvaro Perpuly | 305-986-7001 | alvaro@newdealstrategies.com

Louis Di Paolo | 201-417-5049 | press@analiliafornj.com

Glen Ridge, NJ — Following tonight's debate hosted by New Jersey Globe and the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics at Rider University, NJ-11 Democratic nominee Analilia Mejia released the following statement:

"Voters saw exactly what’s at stake in this race, and the contrast couldn’t be clearer. People are tired of the bullying, the chaos, and a political system that works for everyone except them. While I was laying out how we un-rig the rules and hold this administration accountable, my opponent’s anger and inability to hold this administration accountable showed. Joe Hathaway spent an hour trying to convince people he's not going to be a rubber stamp for Trump. This district deserves someone who will actually fight for them, and I think tonight made that choice pretty clear.

“I’m fighting to expand affordable housing, lower healthcare costs, and deliver real results. My opponent weakened affordable housing, supports the law that kicked 350,000 New Jersey residents off their healthcare, and would bring more of the same chaos.

“He’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing and voters saw through it tonight. He'll say yes to Trump every single time, and on Election Day, this district is going to say no."

The special election for New Jersey's 11th Congressional District is April 16, 2026. Early voting is underway.

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Bob Bland
Bob Bland is a Brooklyn-based fashion designer, entrepreneur and community art advocate. Her brand, Brooklyn Royalty, was founded in 2006 and inspired by the fiercely independent spirit and highly individual aesthetic of King’s County residents. A professional apparel + graphic designer with previous experience at Marc by Marc Jacobs, Triple Five Soul, Rugby by Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Banana Republic, her line combines timeless design principles, premium materials and hand-printed graphics that are meant to look and wear better over time. In 2009, Bob created The Arsenal, an inclusive cultural event space that doubled as a showroom and fashion laboratory for the local creative community. Built on the foundations of an actual Civil War-era armory, The Arsenal’s inception and subsequent partnership with Brooklyn Royalty provided the brand with opportunities to exhibit new collections and host innovative fashion events in a gallery-style setting. In 2010, Bob’s NYC headquarters were located at Kingdom, a Brooklyn phenomena that served triple duty as bar, boutique and gallery space for the local creative community. Her first-ever concept store, Kingdom exclusively stocked Brooklyn Royalty men's and ladies' apparel, accessories and jewelry, as well as 15 of the best local & independent designers, along with gallery exhibitions and BKR collaborations with emerging artists. MANUFACTURE NEW YORK is the culmination of her 8+ years in the NYC fashion world- a nonprofit fashion cooperative dedicated to providing independent designers with the resources & skills necessary to streamline their production process + transform local manufacturing into the most affordable, innovative option for all.
https://www.bobbland.net
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Analilia Mejia brings an organizer’s story — and style — to the NJ-11 race

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Democrats lead in NJ special election ahead of debate. Here's what to watch for.