The race for New Jersey’s next governor just gained serious momentum as the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (EAS Carpenters) officially endorsed Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, citing her long-standing support for working families, investment in infrastructure, and unwavering commitment to labor rights.
The endorsement from one of the region’s most powerful labor unions signals a key turning point in the 2025 gubernatorial race. With tens of thousands of members across the state, the Carpenters Union’s backing is more than symbolic—it’s a ground game juggernaut with boots on the ground and a reputation for mobilizing voters.
Sherrill’s Labor Legacy: Built on Trust and Track Record
Mikie Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot and federal prosecutor, has served New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District since 2019. Throughout her time in Washington, she’s earned a reputation as a centrist Democrat focused on practical solutions and bipartisan cooperation—but she’s never wavered when it comes to organized labor.
From advocating for strong union protections to securing federal infrastructure funding that translates into union jobs here in New Jersey, Sherrill has consistently worked to ensure that skilled tradespeople have a seat at the table. Her record includes support for the PRO Act, backing project labor agreements, and fighting for prevailing wage standards that protect worker pay on publicly funded construction projects.
That commitment wasn’t lost on the Carpenters Union. In their endorsement, they emphasized her “proven leadership” and her ability to move critical infrastructure and labor policies forward—both in D.C. and now, potentially, from the Governor’s Office in Trenton.
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Infrastructure + Union Jobs = Sherrill’s Growth Plan for NJ
One of Sherrill’s standout priorities in her bid for governor is to accelerate infrastructure development across the state. From modernizing bridges and tunnels to expanding public transit and clean energy initiatives, she views infrastructure not just as a policy category—but as the engine of economic revitalization.
Her plan focuses heavily on:
- Union-led construction and development
- Apprenticeship expansion programs
- Investments in schools, roads, and green infrastructure
- Workforce development partnerships with local trade unions
In many ways, her vision mirrors that of the Carpenters Union itself—building a New Jersey that works for those who build it. That alignment is exactly what drew the EAS Carpenters to throw their support behind her candidacy early in the election season.
A Union with Deep Roots in the Garden State
The Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters represents more than 42,000 union members across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. In New Jersey alone, their presence is felt on job sites ranging from urban redevelopment projects in Newark and Camden to shoreline resiliency work along the Jersey coast.
Their endorsement carries serious weight not only in terms of visibility, but also in terms of manpower—literally. When the Carpenters show up to campaign, they bring an army of volunteers who canvass, phone bank, and get out the vote in key districts.
With the 2025 gubernatorial election expected to be fiercely competitive, Sherrill’s ability to lock in early support from organized labor gives her a critical edge—and sets the tone for a race that will likely center around jobs, wages, and economic security for working families.
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A Union-Driven Campaign for a Working-Class Future
This endorsement marks the first major union to back a candidate in the still-developing 2025 field, and it could open the door for others to follow. With construction and labor policy taking center stage, Sherrill’s campaign seems poised to become a rallying point for workers across sectors.
As the political winds start shifting toward the general election, expect labor unions to play a defining role—not just behind closed doors, but in shaping public dialogue across New Jersey. And Mikie Sherrill is already proving she’s ready to lead that charge.
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