Mikie Sherrill, a Democratic representative from New Jersey, has officially entered the 2025 gubernatorial race, adding her name to an already competitive primary field.
In a campaign video, Sherrill expressed her commitment to ensuring the protection of rights and freedoms, emphasizing the challenges posed by the Trump administration.
“We can be the state that sets the gold standard for defending freedoms, especially as they face threats from Washington,” she said. “In New Jersey, we love our country, we’re proud of our state, and we value our freedoms.”
Mikie Sherrill officially announces her candidacy for New Jersey governor in 2025
A former federal prosecutor and Navy helicopter commander, Sherrill currently represents New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District, located just outside of New York City.
Her candidacy was anticipated as she has long been considered a likely contender to succeed Governor Phil Murphy (D). Sherrill’s announcement comes on the heels of Rep. Josh Gottheimer’s (D) campaign launch on Friday.
Other Democrats in the race include former state Senate President Steve Sweeney, Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, former Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller, and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka.
Several Republicans have also entered the race, including state Sen. Jon Bramnick, former state legislator Jack Ciattarelli, ex-state Sen. Ed Durr, and radio host Bill Spadea.
In the 2021 gubernatorial contest, Governor Murphy narrowly defeated Ciattarelli by about three points. The 2025 race follows Vice President Harris’s underwhelming performance in New Jersey, a state traditionally seen as a Democratic stronghold, where she won by just over five points against then-President Trump.
