TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey Democratic U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey introduced Monday she’s operating for governor, saying it is time to repair the state’s economic system and make it extra reasonably priced.
Sherrill, a former federal prosecutor and U.S. Navy helicopter pilot, joins a crowded area of Democrats vying to succeed Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy, whose second time period expires after subsequent yr’s election. Murphy is barred by time period limits from operating once more.
In a video saying her run, Sherrill launched herself as a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and chopper pilot and leaned on her navy expertise.
“I realized early on: In a disaster, the worst factor you are able to do is freeze,” she mentioned. “It’s important to select to steer, to observe, or get out of the best way.”
She went on to say within the video that the state’s economic system must be fastened.
“Let’s make life extra reasonably priced for hardworking New Jerseyans, from well being care to groceries to childcare,” she mentioned. “These challenges aren’t new and it’s time to confront them head on.”
Sherrill has represented the eleventh District, which incorporates elements of Essex, Morris and Passaic counties, since her 2018 election throughout President-elect Donald Trump’s first administration’s midterm. Sherrill flipped the district from Republican management with former Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen’s retirement and has been reelected thrice since.
Earlier than getting elected to Congress, she was a prosecutor for the U.S. Lawyer for the District of New Jersey. She served within the Navy from 1994 to 2003.
Sherrill joins fellow Democratic U.S. Home member Josh Gottheimer, who introduced his run for governor final week.
Additionally searching for the Democratic nod are Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Jersey Metropolis Mayor Steven Fulop, lecturers union president Sean Spiller and former state Senate President Steve Sweeney.
Republicans are additionally lining as much as run. Amongst them are state Sen. Jon Bramnick, former state legislator Jack Ciattarelli, former state Sen. Ed Durr and radio host Invoice Spadea.
If Sherrill has to resign her Home seat, state legislation requires the governor to set a particular election if the seat opens up 70 days earlier than the election.
New Jersey and Virginia are the one states with races for governor subsequent yr.
