Rep. Mikie Sherrill "strongly considering" bid for N.J. governor
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Rep. Mikie Sherrill. Photo: Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images
Rep. Mikie Sherrill tells Axios she is "strongly considering" running for New Jersey governor in 2025.
Why it matters: If elected, Sherrill would be the first Democratic woman governor of New Jersey, just one of two states that are electing governors next year.
What we're watching: Sherrill, a former Navy pilot and former prosecutor, still faces re-election in November. But she's been traveling the state in a possible prelude to a gubernatorial bid.
- "I'm strongly considering running for governor in 2025. I'd make that decision after Election Day," Sherrill told Axios in an interview.
The details: Sherrill says she'd focus on improving New Jersey residents' daily commutes by overseeing the Gateway Hudson River rail project that will double NJ Transit and Amtrak capacity. She'd push Amtrak to address train delays and repair rail lines.
- Sherrill says she'd also prioritize improving the state's public school system, which she sees as a draw for many companies coming to the state.
- Sherill has more than $1.6 million cash on hand and raised nearly $800,000 last quarter.
What they're saying: "Having strong women Democratic governors in these times is so important, whether it's to push back against any MAGA Republican incursions, or to support a new president Harris," Sherrill said.
- "We think a voice like hers would be critical to the governor's office," said Yari Aquino, director of campaign communications at EMILYs List, a group that supports women candidates who back abortion rights.
Zoom out: Sherrill is among a group of Democratic women with national security backgrounds who were elected to Congress in 2018 and now are seeking higher office.
- Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) on Tuesday became the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Michigan, while Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.) is retiring this year to seek her state's governorship in 2025.
- In the House, Sherrill has been a leading member of the center-left New Democrat Coalition.
Zoom in: She could face a fellow House member in the Democratic primary for governor: Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) also is mulling a bid.
- Democrats who have announced their bids include Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, former New Jersey state Senate President Steve Sweeney and Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop.
- Republicans who have jumped in include former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, state Sen. Jon Bramnick, former state Sen. Ed Durr and conservative radio host Bill Spadea.
