As 2026 began, we saw what was coming in NJ’s 11th district and we knew it was a year of change. We made it our mantra: Change is Happening. 

And our district has indeed changed. In these past ten years, we have gone from nepo-baby, don’t-rock-the-boat, double-speak Rodney Frelinghuysen to badass Navy helicopter pilot, mom-of-four Mikie Sherrill, to unbossed, unbought, minimum wage raising, grassroots warrior Analilia Mejia. This ain’t your grandpa’s 11th anymore.  

NJ 11th for Change broke with tradition earlier this year (more of that Change happening!) and made an endorsement PRIOR to a primary for Analilia Mejia for Congress in the CD 11 general election. We reiterate our strong support and encourage all our members to take nothing for granted and get involved with her campaign. 

A lot hangs on the 2026 election, just like it did in 2018

We can’t help recognizing the similarities between 2018 and 2026 and Rodney Frelinghuysen and Tom Kean, Jr. They are two out-of-touch, missing-in-action “legacy” reps, so convinced they deserve their seats that they ignore(d) their own districts. 

Kean has only just resurfaced from a months-long medical hiatus. He failed to be forthright with his constituents about his health but had time to continue trading stocks, including buying stock in AI data center companies. Kean whole-heartedly supports the Trump agenda even when funding for the Gateway Tunnel and other critical New Jersey projects is threatened. 

It is all too reminiscent of Frelinghuysen’s hubris. 

NJ 11th for Change was founded on the belief that our representatives should be accountable, responsive, and transparent. With that criteria in mind, we wholeheartedly endorse Rebecca Bennett for Congress in NJ 7. 

In Rebecca Bennett’s resume and positions, we see many of the same qualities that led us to support Mikie. We see a woman who has spent her life in service to this country and our constitution. Rebecca Bennett has been a fighter her entire life and CD 7 needs a fighter. New Jersey needs a fighter. Someone ready to take on the corruption and dysfunction that Tom Kean, Jr. is content to support. 

CD 7 is one of the most competitive House races in the country. CD 7 deserves better than Tom Kean, Jr. New Jersey deserves more. We believe that Rebecca Bennett will serve our neighbors with integrity and thoughtfulness and work for the people of NJ. 

Crucial as it is, NJ 7 is just one piece in the complex mosaic of races in this watershed year.

It has long been our policy to award our endorsements to those running in the 11th district and to a select slate of candidates we feel best embody our mission statement in races where we can help, regardless of political affiliation. In 2026, we are in a different world. It is clear to us that we MUST have elected representatives at every level of government who are dedicated to stopping ICE in our streets, averting more endless wars in the Middle East, and stamping out attacks on our neighbors, attacks on our allies, attacks on the ideals, people, and foundations that truly make America great. 

With that in mind, the Board of NJ 11th for Change endorses the full 2026 New Jersey Democratic slate, with special emphasis on Rep. Analilia Mejia, candidate Rebecca Bennett, Rep. Rob Menendez, Rep. LaMonica McIver, and Senator Cory Booker.

Over the last decade, we have seen time and again how important voter engagement is at EVERY level. That means staying aware of competitive races close to home. It means paying attention to those downballot races right in our backyards that can be decided quite literally on handfuls of votes. These races can determine what is taught in our schools, what books are allowed to remain in our libraries, or who can afford housing in our communities. Too often we have paid a stiff price when those races are drowned out in the roar of the national debate.

When it comes to downballot races, we are keeping an eye on the Morris County Commissioner race. We are all about BLORRIS! There’s a real chance to crack a decades-long GOP monopoly. Chris Russo is running a strong campaign and can use all the help on the ground he can get. 

In the coming weeks we’ll share ways for you to get out and to support Analilia Mejia and Rebecca Bennett. 

Additionally, we will share, and encourage YOU to share, information about the downballot races that will shape our lives. 

2026 change is happening and we are here for it! It’s literally in our name. 

We at NJ 11th for Change never doubt the Power of Us.