New Jersey's 11th Congressional District is set to hold a special election on April 16, following Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill's departure from the seat. The crowded field of candidates vying for the Democratic nomination includes former Gov. Phil Murphy's campaign manager Brendan Gill, and former U.S. Rep. Tom Malinowski, who previously represented the neighboring 7th District.
The Republican side has only one candidate so far: Randolph Mayor Joe Hathaway. However, the Democratic contest is proving to be a closely-watched test of momentum among New Jersey Democrats, with many candidates highlighting their ability to challenge President Donald Trump and protect key liberal policies.
One issue on the forefront of the campaign is the future of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, which are set to expire later this year under Trump's 'One Big Beautiful Bill'. Several Democratic candidates have pledged to act first to protect these subsidies, citing the potentially catastrophic consequences for New Jerseyans who rely on them.
Other key issues on the agenda include reforming ethics in Congress and protecting democratic institutions. Some candidates, like Mark Chaaban, a 25-year-old from Lebanese immigrant parents, are emphasizing the importance of taking on Trump and promoting a more inclusive politics.
The money landscape is also being closely watched, with several candidates boasting healthy fundraising hauls. Malinowski has raised over $6 million since his last campaign, while Chaaban reported raising over $100,000 in one day after announcing his run. Meanwhile, former Army paratrooper turned venture capitalist Zach Beecher has pulled in $225,000 in the first 36 hours of his campaign.
As the election draws near, voters are set to face a difficult choice between these competing visions for the 11th Congressional District. The outcome will be closely watched as a bellwether for New Jersey's democratic leanings and the state's role in shaping the national conversation on key issues like healthcare and ethics reform.
The Republican side has only one candidate so far: Randolph Mayor Joe Hathaway. However, the Democratic contest is proving to be a closely-watched test of momentum among New Jersey Democrats, with many candidates highlighting their ability to challenge President Donald Trump and protect key liberal policies.
One issue on the forefront of the campaign is the future of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, which are set to expire later this year under Trump's 'One Big Beautiful Bill'. Several Democratic candidates have pledged to act first to protect these subsidies, citing the potentially catastrophic consequences for New Jerseyans who rely on them.
Other key issues on the agenda include reforming ethics in Congress and protecting democratic institutions. Some candidates, like Mark Chaaban, a 25-year-old from Lebanese immigrant parents, are emphasizing the importance of taking on Trump and promoting a more inclusive politics.
The money landscape is also being closely watched, with several candidates boasting healthy fundraising hauls. Malinowski has raised over $6 million since his last campaign, while Chaaban reported raising over $100,000 in one day after announcing his run. Meanwhile, former Army paratrooper turned venture capitalist Zach Beecher has pulled in $225,000 in the first 36 hours of his campaign.
As the election draws near, voters are set to face a difficult choice between these competing visions for the 11th Congressional District. The outcome will be closely watched as a bellwether for New Jersey's democratic leanings and the state's role in shaping the national conversation on key issues like healthcare and ethics reform.
I'm kinda worried about what'll happen to the ACA subsidies if one of these candidates wins... it's like, how can they just let those people lose their health insurance? 
And I guess it's cool that some of these new candidates are trying to shake things up with their fresh perspectives... but at the same time, I'm not sure if we're ready for someone as young as Mark Chaaban to take on President Trump all by themselves 
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It's gonna be a real showdown between the Demos and the Repubs, but I'm lovin' how passionate everyone's gettin' about protectin' the ACA subsidies. 
Like, it's not just about politricks, it's about people's lives! 
As a voter, you gotta feel good about who's gonna be representin' ya in DC. I'm keepin' an eye on Mark Chaaban, though - his vibe of inclusivity is really resonatin' with me! 
Let's hope whoever wins can make some real change happen! 
#GetOutToVote #ACAsubsidiesMatter #NewJerseyShines
, this election is going to be SO intense 
. Brendan Gill's experience as Phil Murphy's campaign manager is super valuable, and Tom Malinowski's fundraising skills are no joke 
. But I'm also excited to see the younger generation stepping up - Mark Chaaban's passion for inclusive politics is infectious 
. And let's be real, Zach Beecher's Army background and venture capitalist experience bring a whole new level of gravitas 
. Can't wait to see how it all plays out on April 16! 
especially with Tom Malinowski throwing his hat into the ring! 
as a fan of progressive politics, it's dope to see him taking on Trump-style issues and advocating for protecting those ACA subsidies 
I mean, we all know how crucial healthcare is, esp for ppl struggling to make ends meet in NJ. And let's be real, with Zach Beecher's venture capitalist background bringing some fresh blood into the mix 
it'll be interesting to see how his outsider vibe shakes things up! 
With so many strong candidates on both sides, it's hard to predict who's gonna take the seat. I'm a bit worried about the ACA subsidies, though - I mean, can we really afford to let 'em expire? 
And with Trump bein' president, I guess you could say there's a lot of heat on these candidates to make some changes! 
But what I'm curious about is how this election's gonna shape up as a bellwatcher for NJ's democratic leanings. Is the state still gonna be all about liberalism or is there more movement in the air? 
One thing's for sure, it's gonna be a wild ride and I'm excited to see what happens! 
. I've got a kid who's going to be eligible to vote in 2027, can you believe it? As a parent, it's hard not to worry about what kind of world they're going to inherit. With all these candidates promising to take on Trump and protect the ACA, it feels like there's finally some hope that things are going to change for our country.
. As a parent, it's amazing to see someone so passionate about creating change and promoting inclusivity. Maybe this election will be a turning point for some of these new faces in politics! Fingers crossed 
. Like, can't they just admit that it's a failed policy and move on? I mean, who actually uses these subsidies anymore? It's not like people are going to suffer or anything if they get taken away... oh wait, they already are 
As for the Republican side, one candidate is already throwing in the towel... not exactly the most promising start 
Mark Chaaban seems like a pretty cool candidate, I love that he's talking about inclusivity and taking on Trump 
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! Politicians always playing games with people's lives 
. ACA subsidies are literally a matter of life and death for some folks 
. And now they're trying to mess with it? 
No thanks, just want my people to have access to healthcare no matter what 
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. Malinowski and Chaaban might have some good ideas, but it's all about who can make the most noise 
... but we need more than just enthusiasm, we need action 
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Like Mark Chaaban, a young guy from Lebanese immigrant parents, is bringing a fresh perspective to the table. And with the ACA subsidies on the line, it's clear that this election is going to be about what kind of country we want to live in. 
meanwhile, phil murphy's campaign manager brendan gill is being super quiet about his plans for ACA subsidies 
I'm low-key excited to see how this plays out, mainly because I need a good popcorn-fueled night in to watch it all go down. The ACA subsidies being a major issue is pretty on point - I mean, can you imagine living in the US without some semblance of affordable healthcare? 
. The ACA subsidies are such a big deal, I'm keeping an eye on who's gonna step up to protect them 
. Not to mention Mark Chaaban's inspirational story