Murphy calls special election to fill 11th District House seat vacated by Mikie Sherrill
Gov. Phil Murphy on Friday issued a writ of election to fill the upcoming vacancy in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District following the resignation of U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, who stepped down at 11:59 p.m. Thursday after being elected governor.
The writ sets a special primary election for Feb. 5, 2026, and a special general election for April 16, 2026. In-person early voting for the special primary will run for six days, from Jan. 29 through Feb. 3, while early voting for the special general election will run for nine days, from April 6 through April 14.
According to the writ, partisan candidates seeking a place on the special primary ballot must file nomination petitions by Dec. 1, 2025. Each candidate must submit 500 valid signatures to qualify.
Independent candidates must file direct nomination petitions no later than the date of the special primary election. Independent candidates need 250 valid signatures to appear on the special general election ballot.
Sherrill’s resignation triggered the requirement for a special election to fill the remainder of the term representing the 11th District, which includes portions of Essex, Morris and Passaic counties.
