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Governors

Mikie Sherrill Wins Democratic Primary in New Jersey Gubernatorial Race

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill, a former prosecutor, Navy helicopter pilot, and mother of four, has won the Democratic primary in the New Jersey governor's race, The Associated Press projected, marking a swift election night victory. Sherrill, 53, defeated five opponents, including U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, and Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, in a uniquely competitive primary where she was the only woman. If she wins in November, she'll be the second female governor in the state's history and the first woman to hold the office in more than two decades.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sherrill won the Democratic primary in the New Jersey governor's race, defeating five opponents, including U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka.
  • Sherrill is a 53-year-old former prosecutor, Navy helicopter pilot, and mother of four who would be the second female governor in the state's history.
  • If she wins in November, Sherrill would be the first woman to hold the office in more than two decades, succeeding term-limited Democrat Gov. Phil Murphy.
  • Sherrill campaigned on making New Jersey housing, health care, and utilities more affordable and standing up to the Trump administration.
  • She consistently polled at the top throughout the race and benefited from significant North Jersey establishment support.
  • Sherrill was the first House Democrat in New Jersey or Pennsylvania to call on former President Joe Biden to step down from the 2024 presidential primary.
  • She was also part of a group of freshman Democrats who called for Trump to be impeached during her first term in 2019 and twice declined to vote for U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi as speaker.
  • Sherrill would be the first Democratic woman to lead New Jersey if she's successful in November.

Statistics:

  • According to The Associated Press, Sherrill won the primary at 8:39 p.m. Eastern time.
  • Sherrill is the 53-year-old candidate who represents parts of Essex, Morris, and Passaic Counties.
  • She is the first woman to win the Democratic primary in the New Jersey governor's race.
  • Sherrill has four children and is a mother of four.
  • She is a former prosecutor, Navy helicopter pilot, and member of the House of Representatives who flipped a red district in 2018.
  • Sherrill has a 10-to-1 advantage in establishment endorsements, with 10 Democratic county committees backing her.
  • Polling ahead of the election showed Sherrill's support was more concentrated in North Jersey.

Sources:

  • The Associated Press
  • The Philadelphia Inquirer, LLC
  • Tribune Content Agency, LLC

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