History of Analilia Mejia in Timeline

Analilia Mejia is an American activist and politician, currently co-director of the Center for Popular Democracy. She has a background in political organizing, notably serving as the national political director for Bernie Sanders's 2020 presidential campaign. She also held a position in the United States Department of Labor under the Biden administration. Mejia is the Democratic nominee for New Jersey's 11th congressional district in the 2026 special election.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1978: Likely Year of Birth

In 1978, Analilia Mejia was likely born. The record indicates she was born in either 1978 or 1979.

1979: Possible Year of Birth

In 1979, Analilia Mejia may have been born. The record indicates she was born in either 1978 or 1979.

2000: Undergraduate Degree

In 2000, Analilia Mejia earned an undergraduate degree in comparative literature at Rutgers University–New Brunswick.

2002: Master of Public Policy

In 2002, Analilia Mejia earned a Master of Public Policy from the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University–New Brunswick.

2003: Master's Degree

In 2003, Analilia Mejia earned a master's in labor relations and education from the School of Management and Labor Relations at Rutgers University–New Brunswick.

2012: Latino/Labor Vote Director

In 2012, Analilia Mejia was the Latino/Labor Vote Director for incumbent Bob Menendez's campaign in the United States Senate election in New Jersey.

2014: Executive Director

In 2014, Analilia Mejia became the executive director of the New Jersey Working Families Alliance.

2016: Delegate for Bernie Sanders

In 2016, Analilia Mejia was a delegate for Bernie Sanders in the Democratic presidential primary.

March 2019: Residence

As of March 2019, Analilia Mejia resides in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, with her husband, Robert Rogers, their two sons, and her parents. She is Lutheran and a member of St. Stephan's ELCA Church.

2019: Left New Jersey Working Families Alliance

In 2019, Analilia Mejia left the New Jersey Working Families Alliance.

2020: National Political Director

In 2020, Analilia Mejia served as national political director for Bernie Sanders's presidential campaign.

2020: National Political Director for Bernie Sanders

In 2020, Analilia Mejia worked as the national political director for Bernie Sanders's presidential campaign.

November 25, 2025: Candidacy Announcement

On November 25, 2025, Analilia Mejia announced her candidacy for the special election in New Jersey's 11th congressional district after Mikie Sherrill was elected governor of New Jersey. She ran as a progressive, with endorsements from Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

February 5, 2026: Election Night

On election night, February 5, 2026, Decision Desk HQ and the New Jersey Globe initially called the election for Tom Malinowski, but later retracted their calls after Analilia Mejia surpassed him in the counted votes.

2026: Campaign Messages

During the 2026 special-primary campaign, Analilia Mejia stated that voters responded to her message on affordability and ICE, calling for the abolition of United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and resistance to "rising authoritarianism". She also expressed her belief that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.

2026: Democratic Nominee

In 2026, Analilia Mejia was the Democratic nominee in the special election for New Jersey's 11th congressional district, running for Mikie Sherrill's seat and defeating Republican nominee Joe Hathaway.