Politics & Government

Mercer County Democratic Leaders Back Mikie Sherrill For NJ Governor

The endorsement comes as NJ prepares to go to the polls in 2025 to choose a new governor.

Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-N.J., speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill, Feb. 13, 2024, in Washington.
Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-N.J., speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill, Feb. 13, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib, File)

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — Mercer County Democratic leaders announced Monday they were endorsing Rep. Mikie Sherrill for Governor of New Jersey.

The governor election will take place in 2025 in the Garden State. Sherrill announced her run for governor in November.

In a statement, leaders from Mercer County said they were backing Sherrill due to her “exceptional leadership” and “ability to enact meaningful reforms.”

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“Congresswoman Sherrill uniquely understands the needs of everyday working families, having balanced roles as a veteran, a working mother, and a dedicated public advocate/servant. Her campaign reflects how she will govern, responsive and inclusive,” the statement said.

“As Governor, Mikie Sherrill will make decisions that reflect the values of our Mercer County Democratic Party, whether it's advocating for better family policies, promoting gun safety, or lifting up small businesses, we know she will do what's right.”

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The statement and endorsement come from several County leaders including Mercer County Democratic Chair/East Windsor Mayor Janice Mironov; County Executive Dan Benson; State Senator Linda Greenstein; County Clerk Paula Sollami-Covello; Hamilton Mayor Jeff Martin; Lawrence Mayor Patricia Farmer; and Princeton Mayor Mark Freda.

“This endorsement underscores our belief that Congresswoman Sherrill is not only the best candidate to win in the primary and general elections, but also the best choice to serve the people of New Jersey,” the leaders said in their statement.

Sherrill is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and a former helicopter aircraft commander. She served in the Navy for nearly 10 years.

Sherrill also worked as an assistant U.S. Attorney and holds a bachelor’s degree from the U.S. Naval Academy, a master’s degree in global history from the London School of Economics and Political Science, and a law degree from Georgetown University.

The congresswoman was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018, replacing veteran Republican powerhouse Rodney Frelinghuysen and flipping the district blue. She was recently re-elected to her seat in New Jersey's 11th District.

The current field of candidates seeking the governor’s office in NJ is large.

Candidates include Ras Baraka, Steve Fulop, Sean Spiller, Stephen Sweeney and Josh Gottheimer (Democrats), Roger Bacon, Jon Bramnick, Robert Canfield, Jack Ciattarelli, Edward Durr, James Fazzone, Hans Herberg and Bill Spadea (Republicans), and independents Gerardo Cedrone and Karen Zalete.

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