NJ Democrats Rally Behind Mikie Sherrill After Primary Election

NEW JERSEY — New Jersey is ready for a “different path forward.” That was the message from U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill and several Democratic leaders – including some of her competitors – in the wake of the state’s 2025 primary election.

Voters went to the polls on Tuesday to choose Democratic and Republican nominees for governor. The winners will advance to the general election on Nov. 4, which will also include third-party and independent candidates.

Although the results remain uncertified, the Associated Press has called the Democratic race for Sherrill and the Republican primary in favor of former state assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli – who recently scored a big endorsement from President Donald Trump.

Several of the Democrats who ran against Sherrill in the primary have since released statements congratulating her on Tuesday's results (see below).

Learn more about Sherrill’s campaign platform here. Learn more about Ciattarelli’s campaign platform here.

>> NJ Governor Primary Election: See Results For Democrat, GOP Races

SHERRILL: ‘STAND UP TO AN EXTREME WASHINGTON’

Sherrill – a former U.S. Navy pilot and ex-federal prosecutor who represents the state’s 11th congressional district – said this year’s primary was one of the most competitive in New Jersey history.

“New Jersey showed the country tonight that we’re ready to chart a different path forward, and I am honored to be the Democratic nominee for governor of our great state,” Sherrill said Tuesday night.

“It’s time to bring a new generation of leadership to Trenton,” she added.

Sherrill said her campaign relied heavily on “grassroots support.” Throughout the race, nearly 2,000 volunteers knocked on 120,000 doors, made 200,000 calls, and put out more than half a million text messages to voters.

Along the way, the congresswoman earned endorsements from organizations like the Sierra Club, League of Conservation Voters, Chatham Moms for Change, Door to Door Democracy, New Jersey Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association, and Laborers International Union of North America.

Sherrill cast her own vote at Hillside Elementary School in Montclair on Tuesday, later traveling across the 11th district to Morristown for an election night watch party.

The congresswoman – who has been critical of the Trump administration and “MAGA Republican extremists” in the past – pointed to the president’s recent endorsement of Ciattarelli and accused him of being a “Trump yes man.”

“While Jack is for Trump, I am for New Jersey … a New Jersey where housing is affordable so our kids can afford to live here, middle-class families can buy a home, and our seniors can afford to stay … a New Jersey where we finally take control of our energy future, and slash the cost of utilities … a New Jersey where a woman’s right to an abortion is non-negotiable, and we respect the rule of law, due process and the Constitution,” Sherrill charged.

“Let’s be clear about the two visions in this race: I am ready to stand up to an extreme Washington that doesn’t have New Jersey’s best interests at heart,” she added.

Read Sherrill’s full Election Night statement here.

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CIATTARELLI: ‘A CLEAR AND CONVINCING VICTORY’

The congresswoman’s victory in the primary will set up a clash with Ciattarelli, who previously ran against Murphy in 2021.

The former state assemblyman also issued a post-election message on Tuesday, calling the primary election a “clear and convincing victory.”

“Tonight, we celebrate,” Ciattarelli said. “Tomorrow, we get back to work the only way I know how, with everything I have. All gas, no brakes. Let’s unite, let’s fight, and let’s fix our great state.”

In May, Ciattarelli got a highly publicized endorsement from the president, who wrote that he would “grow our economy” and “cut taxes and regulations.”

“Also, Jack is the Republican candidate who is best positioned to stand tall against the radical left Democrats and, most importantly, ensure a big victory in this very important gubernatorial election,” Trump wrote, pointing to Ciattarelli’s stances on illegal immigration, “American energy dominance” and the Second Amendment.

Ciattarelli replied that he was “truly humbled and honored” to receive Trump’s endorsement.

• See Related: Trump Endorses Republican Candidate In NJ Governor Race
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DEMOCRATS: ‘WORK LIKE HELL TO KEEP NEW JERSEY BLUE’

Several Democratic governor candidates who ran in the primary against Sherrill have offered their congratulations in the wake of Tuesday’s election.

“I just called Congresswoman Sherrill and offered my heartfelt congratulations,” U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer said.

“I still believe that’s what’s best for Jersey — and for the Democratic Party in our state and beyond,” he added.

Sean Spiller also congratulated Sherrill on her Election Night win.

“While the result wasn’t what we hoped for, I’m so proud to live in a country where an immigrant and school teacher can run for governor,” Spiller wrote. “The fight continues!”

Steve Sweeney reported that he called the congresswoman on Tuesday night to offer a verbal thumbs-up.

“I‘ll never stop fighting for New Jersey – and I’ll do everything I can to make sure Mikie Sherrill is our next governor,” the former state Senate president said.

South Orange Mayor Sheena Collum – who ran alongside Steven Fulop as his lieutenant governor choice – said that while the outcome wasn’t what she’s hoped for, she was “proud to throw her full support” behind Sherrill.

“The stakes are simply too high for ego or disappointment to slow us down,” Collum said. “Now is the time to come together, rally behind our nominee, and work like hell to keep New Jersey blue.”

Meanwhile, other leading Democrats from New Jersey have also endorsed Sherrill for governor.

New Jersey’s two U.S. senators – Cory Booker and Andy Kim – issued a joint statement congratulating Sherrill on Wednesday:

“We congratulate Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill for winning New Jersey's primary election and stand with her to win the governorship in November at this critical moment for our state and nation. With Trump raising costs for families through reckless tariffs and Medicaid cuts for millions and abusing power against our Constitution, we need a strong leader who can be a steady hand and a fierce champion for New Jerseyans. Mikie has served our country and the people of New Jersey with honor and courage since her time at the Naval Academy and then nearly 10 years in the military. In Congress, we have seen a fighter who serves New Jersey with tenacity, is willing to take on the tough fights, and has a proven record of forming broad coalitions with people across the political spectrum. We are proud to endorse Mikie Sherrill for governor and will work united to win in November.”

New Jersey Sen. Teresa Ruiz and Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin have also thrown their support behind Sherrill.

“I look forward to standing with her as she shows the Garden State and the nation that when women lead, they deliver,” Ruiz said Tuesday.

“From the rising cost of housing, utilities, and groceries, to the challenges we face keeping our children safe on social media, Mikie has a vision and plan to get the job done in Trenton,” Pintor Marin said last week.

SECOND WOMAN GOVERNOR OF NEW JERSEY?

If elected in November, Sherrill would be the second woman – and first Democratic woman – to serve as governor of New Jersey. Christine Todd Whitman, a Republican, broke that barrier when she was elected in 1993.

Virginia is also holding an election for governor this year, which features female Democratic and Republican candidates. If Sherrill wins in New Jersey – barring any surprise from a dark horse candidate – the number of women governors in the U.S. could reach 14 by January 2026, matching the record high set briefly in January 2025, according to the Center for American Women and Politics.

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