Democratic Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill has been elected the next Governor of New Jersey, winning a decisive victory over her Republican opponent Jack Ciattarelli on Tuesday. Ciattarelli, a former state assemblyman, had received the endorsement of President Donald Trump.
The win is historically significant, as Sherrill will succeed fellow Democrat Governor Phil Murphy, marking the first time since 1961 that the Democratic Party has won three consecutive gubernatorial terms in the Garden State.
A Victory for a Navy Veteran
At 53, Sherrill is a former Navy veteran and pilot who previously served four terms representing a northern New Jersey district in the U.S. House of Representatives. She will be the second female governor in New Jersey’s history, following Republican Christine Todd Whitman (1994-2001).
Following the election call, Sherrill took to social media to celebrate, posting: “New Jersey, it is the honor of my life to earn your trust to become this great state’s 57th governor. I promise to listen, lead with courage, and never forget who I serve.”
Key Policy Priorities for Governor-Elect Sherrill
Sherrill’s campaign focused heavily on improving the lives of working families and defending core Democratic values. Her platform includes:
Reproductive Rights and Healthcare
- Abortion Access: Sherrill is a strong defender of reproductive freedom, viewing abortion access as a fundamental right. She has pledged to “protect and expand access to reproductive healthcare” in New Jersey, including codifying Roe v. Wade protections into state law.
- Provider Protection: She emphasizes shielding providers from out-of-state legal challenges and advocates for comprehensive sex education and support for maternal health initiatives to address community disparities.
- Lowering Healthcare Costs: Sherrill plans to tackle New Jersey’s high premiums by supporting a public option for insurance, capping insulin at $35 per month, and negotiating drug prices at the state level.
Affordability and Economic Growth
- Housing: Addressing the state’s high costs is a cornerstone of her plan. She proposes building 100,000 new affordable units during her term through tax credits for developers and streamlined permitting for “by-right” zoning in transit-oriented areas.
- Economy and Jobs: Her “New Jersey Jobs Plan” aims to create 500,000 good-paying jobs by focusing on the state’s ports, innovation hubs, and clean energy potential. She also supports a $15 minimum wage indexed to inflation and expansion of paid family leave.
Education
- Funding and Quality: Sherrill is committed to making New Jersey’s schools the best in the nation. This includes fully funding the School Funding Reform Act to address resource gaps in under-resourced districts and expanding universal pre-K for all 3- and 4-year-olds.