Overview

Joe Hathaway is a Randolph Township councilman and former mayor who became the Republican nominee in the 2026 special election for New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District. He advanced from the February 5, 2026 Republican primary and is on the ballot for the April 16, 2026 special general election. Randolph Township’s council page lists him as a councilman, and township records show he served as mayor during 2025.

Hathaway was appointed to the Randolph Township Council in May 2022 following a vacancy and was elected in November 2022 to complete the unexpired term. Township materials state that he studied political science at Yale University and played varsity football, earning All-Ivy League honors. His professional background includes more than a decade in corporate affairs and communications across healthcare, healthcare technology, marketing, and financial services.

When launching his congressional campaign in October 2025, Hathaway was described as born and raised in Clifton, New Jersey, a 2009 Yale graduate, a former advance aide to Governor Chris Christie, and a Group Director for Corporate Strategy at Real Chemistry. His biography also notes that he was named to PRWeek’s 40 Under 40 list in 2016.

Political Career

Randolph Township Councilman (2022-2028) — appointed in 2022, then elected in 2022 to complete the unexpired term

Mayor, Randolph Township (2025-2025)

Candidate, U.S. House, New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District special election (2025-2026)

Republican nominee, U.S. House, New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District special election (2026-present)

Key Policy Areas

Housing affordability and tax relief for first-time homebuyers

Workforce development, including vocational and technical training

Healthcare costs and support for New Jersey’s life sciences sector

Transportation infrastructure, including Gateway Tunnel and commuter rail improvements

Energy policy and energy affordability

Public safety, border security, and fentanyl enforcement

Notable Actions / Initiatives

Announced a campaign for New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District in October 2025

Won the February 5, 2026 Republican primary for the NJ-11 special election

Received endorsements from Morris County Republican officials and local elected leaders in November 2025

Called for full funding and timely completion of the Gateway Tunnel project

Served as mayor of Randolph Township during 2025

Education

Yale University, B.A., Political Science (2009)

Personal

Birth date: Not publicly available

Residence: Randolph, Morris County, New Jersey