Democratic US Representative Mikie Sherrill announces that he is running for governor of New Jersey

On By Littum

TRENTON, NJ (AP) – New Jersey Democratic U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey announced Monday that she is running for governor, saying it’s time to fix the state’s finances and make them more affordable.

Sherrill, a former federal prosecutor and US Navy helicopter pilot, joins a crowded field of Democrats vying to succeed Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy, whose second term expires after next year’s election. Murphy is barred by term limits from running again.

In a video announcing her run, Sherrill introduced herself as a US Naval Academy graduate and helicopter pilot and drew on her military experience.

“I learned early on: In a crisis, the worst thing you can do is freeze,” she said. “You have to choose to lead, to follow, or to get out of the way.”

She went on to say in the video that the state’s finances need to be fixed.

“Let’s make life more affordable for hardworking New Jerseyans, from health care to groceries to child care,” she said. “These challenges are not new and it is time to confront them head on.”

Sherrill has represented the 11th District, which includes parts of Essex, Morris and Passaic countiessince her election in 2018 during President-elect Donald Trump’s first midterm administration. Sherrill flipped the district from Republican control with former Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen’s retirement and has been re-elected three times since.

Before being elected to Congress, she was a prosecutor for the United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey. She served in the Navy from 1994 to 2003.

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Sherrill joins another US House Democrat member Josh Gottheimerwho announced his candidacy for governor last week.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, teachers union president Sean Spiller and former state Senate President Steve Sweeney are also seeking the Democratic nod.

Republicans are also lining up to run. Among them are State Senator Jon Bramnick, former State Legislator Jack Ciattarelli, former State Senator Ed Durr and radio host Bill Spadea.

If Sherrill has to resign from his House seat, state law calls for the governor to call a special election if the seat opens 70 days before the election.

New Jersey and Virginia are the only states with races for governor next year.