Today, eyeing the November 2026 general election, Randolph Mayor Joe Hathaway officially announced his candidacy for Congress in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District.

A lifelong North Jersey resident, proud father, and the son of an Army veteran and a preschool teacher, Hathaway said he wants to bring common-sense leadership and a “workhorse” ethic to Washington.

A Republican, Hathaway called on U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-11) - whose seat he wants to fill - to release all relevant records, including her disciplinary history, academic records, and documents.

“As the son of an Army veteran, I was raised to believe that honor and integrity matter, especially when serving your country,” Hathaway said. “Mikie Sherrill has refused to come clean about her role in one of the biggest cheating scandals in military history, and voters deserve answers. Mikie has built her whole identity around the naval honor code, which she knowingly violated. After Jack Ciattarelli wins the governorship, and Mikie comes back to the district, I'll be here to continue to hold her accountable.”

In elected office, Mayor Joe Hathaway said he has built a strong commonsense reputation rooted in hard work. Hathaway said the campaign will focus on restoring trust in government, building strong constituent services, and ensuring North Jersey families have a voice in Congress that puts them ahead of politics and headlines.

“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. “In Randolph, I’ve focused on keeping taxes in check, strengthening public safety, and helping neighbors in need. Washington doesn’t need more politicians chasing headlines, and profiting off of the people that elected them. While Mikie Sherrill is skipping out on her responsibilities to climb the political ladder, the residents of District 11 are left without a representative fighting for them. We need a workhorse willing to fight for lower costs, restore fiscal responsibility, and create safer communities. That’s exactly the kind of leadership I’ll bring to Congress.”

Watch the Joe Hathaway for Congress Launch Video

Born and raised in Clifton, New Jersey, Joe Hathaway graduated from Yale University in 2009 with a degree in Political Science and earned All-Ivy League honors in football. Joe began his career as an Advance aide to Governor Chris Christie and for over a decade has worked in Corporate Affairs and Communications. He currently serves as a Group Director for Corporate Strategy at Real Chemistry. Hathaway was appointed to the Randolph Township Council in 2022, and now serves as Mayor. He lives in Randolph with his wife Whitney, their two children, and a third on the way.

Script: (Hathaway) “Hey there, my name is Joe Hathaway. I’m the Mayor, here in Randolph, New Jersey. I’m a proud dad of two with one on the way. And just like you, I work hard to provide for my family and give back to the community I love. Unfortunately, too many in Washington seem more interested in chasing headlines, and running for the next office instead of getting things done for real, hardworking families. We need to elect a Republican who will put in the hours to make our government work just a little bit better for the rest of us.

So today, I’m here to announce that I’m running for Congress to represent people like you and me, all across New Jersey’s 11th District - because we don’t need more political games in Congress, we need a workhorse. Let me show you what I mean…

I grew up right here in North Jersey. The son of an Army veteran and a preschool teacher, so I’ve known the value of hard work and serving others from Day 1.

When I went to Yale and played football, our team needed a nose tackle - the job in the trenches that no one wants. But I stepped in so others could shine, and we finished with the top defense in the country. Not because of superstars, but because of workhorses. And that’s exactly how I’ve led as Mayor. 

When an older resident lost everything in a fire, and was turned away by every agency, I cut through the red tape to help find her a new home. In my experience, leadership means rolling up your sleeves, not seeking glory. And I’ll bring that same mindset to Congress.

Mikie Sherrill is off and running for Governor. She’s skipping the hard work here just to chase the next job. Me? I’ll do the job you elect me to do. 

Look, Washington doesn’t need more show ponies, it needs workhorses, ready to get into the trenches. So if you’re tired of the career politicians and glory seekers, and representatives who put personal gain over everyday people, then join us. Let’s prove workhorses still matter. 

Thanks so much everybody. Now, let’s get to work. I’m Joe Hathaway and I approve this message.

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