Carpenters Union Endorses Mejia in NJ-11 Congressional Race

The Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters has endorsed Democratic nominee Analilia Mejia in the upcoming NJ-11 special congressional election, according to an announcement from Mejia’s campaign.

The endorsement from the carpenters union, which represents more than 15,000 members across New Jersey, adds to Mejia’s growing labor support as the special general election approaches on April 16, 2026.

“I’m proud to be endorsed by the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters — one of the nation’s largest and strongest unions,” Mejia said in a statement. “Their members are the backbone of our economy, building our communities with skill and pride.”

The endorsement highlights Mejia’s background as a former union organizer who spent a decade working with 32BJ SEIU, UNITE HERE, and UFCW, according to her campaign. She has positioned herself as an advocate for working families and previously led efforts for New Jersey’s $15 minimum wage and paid sick days legislation.

William Sproule, Executive Secretary-Treasurer for the EAS Carpenters Union, praised Mejia’s labor credentials in announcing the endorsement.

“Analilia Mejia represents the next generation of leadership that working families deserve,” Sproule said. “She has a deep respect for the labor movement and understands that investing in union jobs is essential to building a strong middle class.”

Sproule emphasized that Mejia’s “commitment to economic justice and worker protections aligns with the values of our membership.”

The carpenters union joins a substantial list of labor organizations that have backed Mejia’s congressional bid. Her endorsements include 32BJ SEIU, 1199 SEIU, SEIU NJ State Council, AFSCME, CWA District 1, CWA Local 1037, Rutgers AAUP-AFT, and the Rutgers Adjunct Faculty Union, according to her campaign.

In her statement, Mejia connected her union organizing experience to her congressional platform, saying she knows “firsthand what it takes to fight for working people.”

“I’m committed to raising wages, protecting workers’ rights, and ensuring every family has the resources to thrive,” Mejia said. “That’s how we build an economy that works for all of us, including our carpenters.”

The Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters represents workers in one of the largest building trades unions nationally, according to the endorsement announcement. The union’s backing provides Mejia with organized support from construction workers across the state’s 11th congressional district.

Mejia’s campaign has also received endorsements from various labor-aligned advocacy and community organizations, though specific details about those groups were not provided in the announcement.

The NJ-11 special election will fill a congressional seat, with the general election scheduled for April 16, 2026. The district’s voters will choose their next representative to Congress in what has become a closely watched race.

Labor endorsements often provide candidates with both financial support and volunteer networks for voter outreach efforts. The carpenters union’s endorsement gives Mejia access to a substantial membership base across New Jersey as she works to build her campaign organization.

The endorsement announcement emphasizes Mejia’s decade of union organizing work and her role in advancing worker-friendly legislation at the state level. Her supporters frame her background as preparation for advocating for working families in Congress.

With the April election approaching, Mejia continues building her coalition of labor and community support as she seeks to represent the 11th congressional district in Washington.