PCCC Endorses Analilia Mejia in NJ Feb 5 Special Congressional Election With National Email From Bernie Sanders 

Sanders In PCCC Email: “It Is One Of The First Contests Of 2026 – Let's Set The Tone.”

Today, the Progressive Change Campaign Committee (PCCC) announced its endorsement of Analilia Mejia for Congress in New Jersey’s open 11th Congressional District with an email to its national membership from Sen. Bernie Sanders, elevating the February 5 special primary as one of the first tests of Democratic direction heading into the 2026 midterms.

“In Washington right now, we don't just need Democrats, we need progressive Democrats who are prepared to stand up and fight,” said Sen. Bernie Sanders in a message to PCCC’s members underscoring the stakes of the race. “This race is an opportunity to set the table for boldness and vision in 2026. What happens in Jersey will spread everywhere. It is one of the first contests of 2026 – let's set the tone and make it happen!" 

Mejia is facing a former U.S. Congressman and a longtime New Jersey political operative, both with high local name recognition. Mejia is former political director for Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign and Executive Director of the NJ Working Families Party.

“This race is about whether Democrats are willing to fight for working people or settle for politics as usual,” said Stephanie Taylor, co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee. “PCCC is endorsing Analilia Mejia because she has spent her career taking on corporate greed and delivering real wins for working families. With NJ-11, one of the first contests of 2026, this special election can help define what kind of Democratic Party voters see going forward.”

Mejia joined Sanders earlier this week at a rally in New Jersey during his Fighting Oligarchy Tour, drawing more than 1,800 attendees and spotlighting NJ-11’s national significance.

Mejia is also endorsed by Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ayanna Pressley, Greg Casar, Maxwell Frost, and Delia Ramirez, as well as Newark Mayor Ras Baraka.

"I’m honored to earn the endorsement of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee! We know that in the face of rising authoritarianism and an economy rigged against working people, plain old blue won’t do,” said Mejia. “Folks are hurting and need bold solutions, not just talking points. That’s why I’m running for Congress — to deliver unbought, unbossed leadership to NJ-11. Together, we’re going to win Medicare for All, make college tuition-free, raise workers’ wages, stand up to corporate power, abolish ICE, and build an economy that works for all of us."

With the special primary just weeks away, PCCC is mobilizing its national grassroots network to support Mejia and frame NJ-11 as a proving ground for the party’s economic message heading into the midterms.

If you’d like to discuss PCCC’s endorsement, or larger 2026 election dynamics, please reach out to Press@BoldProgressives.org.