Joe Hathaway says the voters of New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District aren’t looking for more political noise — they’re looking for someone to cut through it.
According to Fox News, as the 38-year-old Randolph Township mayor campaigns to fill Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill’s now-vacant House seat, he’s the only Republican in the special election.
On the Democratic side, a dozen candidates are battling for their party’s nomination, a contrast Hathaway describes as a “chaotic mess” that will send moderates searching for an alternative.
“The district is ready for a new generation of leadership,” Hathaway told Fox News Digital. “That’s what I represent.”
Hathaway said New Jersey voters are exhausted by “spin” and constant fighting in Washington, arguing that his straight-ahead approach will appeal to Republicans, independents, and even Democrats who want “someone who is going to put the political nonsense aside and get to work.”
He pointed to political shifts in New York City — where Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s win reflects the rise of younger progressive voices — as a sign that Democrats are drifting leftward. He argued that voters in his district want a markedly different path.
“Centrist, moderate Democratic voters do not want that future,” he said, adding that his campaign offers a “clear, stark contrast.”
Hathaway highlighted his local ties, saying he understands each community in the district and what families are struggling with daily.
He described young families as increasingly disillusioned with the American Dream and said affordability is the centerpiece of his message.
“Affordability is the major focus of our campaign,” Hathaway said. He voiced support for eliminating taxes for first-time homebuyers, calling home ownership the heart of the American Dream.
He also said he wants to expand access to vocational training and “highly valuable skills that don’t necessarily require all the student loan debt,” contrasting that with what he cast as Democrats’ tendency toward “more government, more dependency.”
The special primary is set for Feb. 5, 2026, with the general election to follow on April 16 — one of several early tests ahead of President Donald Trump’s high-stakes midterms.
Asked about Trump’s endorsement, Hathaway said he welcomes support from all corners of the Republican Party but emphasized that his loyalty is to the district.
He praised Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” on raising the SALT deduction cap and increasing childcare tax credits, but made clear he won’t hesitate to oppose the administration if it affects local interests.
He cited concerns about the possible closure of Picatinny Arsenal, a major military installation in Morris County.
“I vehemently disagree with that,” Hathaway said, calling the base essential to national defense and to thousands of employees and contractors. “It would be bad for our district. It would be bad for the country.”
Hathaway described himself as someone who prefers action over posturing.
“Our campaign is going to be something that is attractive to voters of all persuasions because of what we are representing — someone who is here to roll up their sleeves, do the work,” he said.
“I’m still a football player at heart. I’m still a nose guard at heart who just runs in the trenches and tries to make things happen and do the job.”
Hathaway grew up in New Jersey, graduated from Yale University with All-Ivy League football honors, served as an aide to former Gov. Chris Christie, and now works in healthcare operations — experience he says proves he knows how to get things done.
On the Democratic side, 12 candidates remain in the running following one withdrawal earlier in the week, leaving the party with a crowded and competitive race as the clock ticks toward February.
