Democratic Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill Announces Run for New Jersey Governor

Sherrill Joins Crowded Field of Candidates Seeking to Replace Term-Limited Governor Phil Murphy

Newark, NJ - Democratic US Representative Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey's 11th Congressional District announced her candidacy for governor on Monday, January 23, 2023. Sherrill, a former Navy pilot and prosecutor, enters a crowded field of candidates seeking to replace term-limited Democratic Governor Phil Murphy.

In a video announcing her campaign, Sherrill positioned herself as a pragmatic Democrat who could appeal to voters beyond her party’s base. "New Jersey is facing challenges that demand new leadership," Sherrill said. "We need a governor who will fight for the middle class, protect our environment, and make our state more affordable."

Sherrill, a moderate Democrat, has been a vocal critic of President Joe Biden’s agenda, particularly his handling of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. She has also been critical of Governor Murphy’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, arguing that he has relied too heavily on mandates and restrictions.

Sherrill’s entry into the race brings the total number of Democratic candidates seeking the party’s nomination to five. Other Democratic candidates include: former Goldman Sachs executive David Gill, state Sen. Joe Cryan, former state Attorney General Gurbir Grewal, and Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo.

The Republican field is also crowded, with several candidates vying for the party’s nomination. The most prominent Republican candidates include: former state Sen. Jack Ciattarelli, who lost to Murphy by a narrow margin in the 2021 gubernatorial election; businessman Phil Rizzo; and pastor Rich Pezzullo.

The New Jersey gubernatorial election will be held on November 7, 2023. The Democratic and Republican primaries will be held on June 6, 2023.

Sherrill’s announcement was met with mixed reactions. Some Democrats praised her as a strong candidate who could unite the party and appeal to independents. Others expressed concern about her moderate positions, arguing that a more progressive candidate would be better positioned to defeat the Republican nominee.

The Republican Party of New Jersey released a statement criticizing Sherrill’s record in Congress, calling her a "rubber stamp for the Biden agenda."

The Democratic primary is expected to be competitive, with several well-qualified candidates vying for the party’s nomination. Sherrill is considered to be one of the frontrunners, but she will face stiff competition from the other candidates.