Mikie Sherrill, a U.S. Representative, veteran Navy helicopter pilot, and former federal prosecutor, has secured the Democratic nomination for governor of New Jersey, emerging victorious in a six-way primary contest held Tuesday.
At 53 years old, Sherrill—who serves the 11th Congressional District and is a mother of four—entered the race as a clear frontrunner. Her early advantage in polling was largely attributed to her distinguished background, including her service in the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The Associated Press projected Sherrill as the winner at 8:39 p.m. ET, with her pulling in 34.6% of the vote at the time.
Hailing from Montclair, Sherrill outpaced a crowded field that included Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, U.S. Representative Josh Gottheimer, New Jersey Education Association President Sean Spiller, and former state Senate President Steve Sweeney.
Gottheimer had received strong support from the Lakewood frum community.
As of the time the race was called, Fulop had received 17.8% of the vote, while Baraka, Gottheimer, Spiller, and Sweeney each trailed with under 14% support.
In addition to her lead in public opinion surveys, Sherrill benefited from widespread backing from key Democratic officials and organizations across New Jersey.
In Washington, Sherrill sits on the House Armed Services Committee and the Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party. She is also active in several caucuses, including those focused on women’s issues, moderate Democrats, and rare disease advocacy.
Her campaign has largely focused on addressing New Jersey’s high cost of living, pointing to soaring prices in areas such as healthcare and basic goods. She’s also been an outspoken critic of the Trump administration and Elon Musk, accusing both of trying to “dismantle” foundational safety net programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.
Should she win in November, Sherrill says she plans to crack down on unfair practices in the healthcare industry, push for pricing transparency, and empower the state attorney general to take on monopolies, unjustified rate hikes, and insurance denials.
She is also an advocate of shared municipal and educational services to reduce local property tax burdens, and she supports enhancing the state’s Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit.
Voters will head to the polls in New Jersey’s general gubernatorial election on November 4.
{Matzav.com}