A Message from Mikie Sherrill
My entire life has been dedicated to serving our country and the people of New Jersey. I took my first oath to the Constitution at 18, when I entered the U.S. Naval Academy. I went on to serve nearly a decade on active duty as a helicopter pilot and Russian policy officer. Later, I joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Jersey, where I worked to strengthen public safety and build programs that foster trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
In Congress, I continued that mission—bringing back billions of our tax dollars to fund our schools, support minority-owned businesses, and make housing more affordable for families across the state.
In the Navy, we had a saying: “Ship, Shipmate, Self.” The mission always came first—then your fellow sailors—and you came last. I’m running for governor with those same principles: to serve and to be accountable to you.
I love New Jersey. My husband and I are raising our four children here, and I want them—and all our kids—to have a bright future right here at home. But I also know how much families across New Jersey are struggling. Costs keep rising, our children are facing new challenges, and too often, Trenton is holding our state back.
That’s why, on Day One, I will declare a State of Emergency on Utility Costs to stop the rate hikes and expand affordable, clean energy production. But lowering utility bills is only part of the solution. We can’t build a more affordable Garden State without addressing the cost of housing. I will expand first-time homebuyer assistance to help families build generational wealth and crack down on predatory lenders and exploitative landlords to bring down rents and mortgages.
We also need to confront longstanding inequities across our state. I will strengthen Nurture NJ and the Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority to tackle maternal health challenges—especially those faced by Black women—and invest in a culturally competent healthcare workforce.
It is unacceptable that Black New Jerseyans make up 10% of all business owners in our state but receive less than half a percent of state contracts. My administration will not stand for that. We will ensure minority-owned businesses get their fair share of state opportunities and support.
We must also invest in our children. I will increase access to mental health resources and implement my Online Safety Agenda to help keep kids safe online. I’m the only candidate in this race who has pledged to fully fund our public schools, ensuring that every child—no matter their ZIP code—has access to a world-class education.
Meanwhile, my opponent, Jack Ciattarelli, has defended school segregation and supports Donald Trump’s efforts to defund the Department of Education—plans that would slash critical funding for students and drive up property taxes.
Jack has made his priorities clear: he will always put Trump ahead of New Jersey. As Trump makes life more expensive, cuts billions in education and public transit funding, and attacks our rights and freedoms, Jack has called him “right about everything” and given his presidency an “A” rating. He’s even said his job as governor would be to help Trump carry out his extreme agenda.
Not under my watch. I will stand up to anyone—from Trump to members of my own party—to protect New Jersey’s families, freedoms, and future.
My entire life has been devoted to service, and I pledge to serve you every single day as your governor. I hope to earn your vote—and to be a governor for all of New Jersey.
