Nov. 18 (UPI) — Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill threw her hat into the New Jersey gubernatorial ring on Monday, adding her name to a crowded list that includes another Congress member, three mayors and a Republican candidate that nearly beat current Gov. Phil Murphy in 2021.
Sherrill, whose career includes time as a Navy helicopter aircraft commander and a federal prosecutor, is a strong abortion advocate and outspoken gun violence opponent. She took direct aim at incoming President Donald Trump in her announcement.
“We can also be the state that sets the gold standard for protecting rights and freedoms, and we know they’ll be under attack from Donald Trump’s Washington,” Sherrill said in her video announcement that garners nearly 1,000 views in its first two hours.
“Because in New Jersey, we love our country, we’re proud of our state, and we value our freedoms.”
Republicans are more optimistic than ever about regaining the governor’s seat in the state after Vice President Kamala Harris managed 51.8% in November’s presidential election after President Joe Biden carried the state by 57.1 in 2020.
Jack Ciattarelli, who nearly toppled the term-limited Murphy in the 2021 gubernatorial election, is running again for the Republican nomination against former state senator Ed Durr and media personality Bill Spadea.
First Sherrill would have to beat out a competitive field for the Democratic nomination, which includes fellow Rep. Josh Gottheimer, former state Senate President Steve Sweeney, and three mayors — Ras Baraka, of Newark, Steve Fulop of Jersey City, and former Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller.
