Progressive Democrat Analilia Mejia defeated Republican Joe Hathaway Thursday night in a special election to replace New Jersey Democratic Gov. Mikie Sherill in the House and thereby keeping the seat blue. 

The Associated Press called the race for Mejia with 69% of the vote as of publishing time, compared to Hathaway's 29%, with 44% of the votes counted. 

Mejia will now serve the remainder of Sherill's term and is seeking a full term in the state's Democratic primary later this year. Hathaway is running for the Republican nomination.

The 11th District, which covers parts of Essex, Morris and Passaic counties in northern New Jersey, used to be a Republican stronghold but has become increasingly Democratic since President Donald Trump’s first term.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.