Morris County, NJ — On March 23, 2026, Republican NJ-11 nominee Joe Hathaway issued a press release repeating his call for a public debate with Analilia Mejia, offering to debate under any terms, including a forum organized, hosted, and moderated by Morris County Democratic Chairwoman Darcy Draeger in Morristown. 

In response, Draeger said, "While the offer to have me moderate is funny and eye-catching, I think it also proves my point that Mr. Hathaway's goal here is more to create memes and soundbites than to have a serious discussion. Every day, the Trump administration turns deadly issues into theater and clickbait, like portraying the war with Iran as a consequence-free video game or creating AI slop showing the President defecating on American citizens for shock value. We don't need more of that.

Analilia Mejia, by contrast, is on the record with clear policy goals. She will defend healthcare, help ban congressional stock trading, and ensure opportunity for everyone, not just the billionaire donor class. She’s also on the ground, talking with voters in the communities where they live, about what matters to them most.

Thanks for the chance to be part of a political stunt, but the Morris County Dems and Team Mejia will stay focused on substance, not spectacle."