Randolph Mayor Joe Hathaway announces 2026 congressional run against Rep. Mikie Sherrill
RANDOLPH TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Morris County) — Randolph Mayor Joe Hathaway announced Wednesday that he will run for Congress in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District, setting up a challenge to Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill in the November 2026 general election.
Hathaway, a Republican, said he plans to bring “common-sense leadership” and what he called a “workhorse” ethic to Washington. He emphasized his North Jersey roots and background as the son of an Army veteran and a preschool teacher.
In his announcement, Hathaway also criticized Sherrill, referencing news reports about a cheating scandal at the U.S. Naval Academy during her time there and calling on her to release related records. Sherrill, who has represented the district since 2019, has not publicly responded to Hathaway’s latest remarks.
“As the son of an Army veteran, I was raised to believe that honor and integrity matter, especially when serving your country,” Hathaway said. “Voters deserve answers.”
Hathaway, who was appointed to the Randolph Township Council in 2022 and currently serves as mayor, said his campaign will focus on restoring trust in government, building constituent services, and addressing affordability in North Jersey.
“I’ve lived my whole life here in North Jersey, and I know that families are working harder than ever to make ends meet,” Hathaway said. “We need a representative willing to fight for lower costs, restore fiscal responsibility, and create safer communities.”
Hathaway grew up in Clifton and graduated from Yale University in 2009 with a degree in political science. He previously worked as an aide to former Gov. Chris Christie and has spent more than a decade in corporate affairs and communications. He now serves as group director for corporate strategy at Real Chemistry. Hathaway lives in Randolph with his wife, Whitney, their two children and a third on the way.
Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot and federal prosecutor, won reelection to her fourth term in 2024 and has been mentioned as a possible future candidate for higher office.
