In a decisive move for New Jersey politics, Brendan Gill has earned the endorsement of the Essex County Democratic Committee in his campaign for the CD-11 congressional seat, vacated by Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill. The announcement came during a virtual convention, positioning Gill as a leading contender in the 13-person special election set for February 5th, 2026.
Gill’s support from the committee covers the Essex portion of the 11th District, where he currently serves as Commissioner-at-Large, representing all 22 municipalities in the county. A lifelong Montclair resident, Gill is completing his fifth term on the Essex County Board of County Commissioners (ECBCC) and has cultivated a reputation for leadership and local engagement.
Beyond his county service, Gill brings extensive political experience to his congressional bid. He played a key role in Governor Phil Murphy’s 2017 campaign, which marked a historic victory for the state, and has served as a senior advisor to prominent New Jersey figures, including U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Frank Lautenberg, as well as Congressmen Bill Pascrell and Steve Rothman. Gill emphasizes that this breadth of experience equips him to be an effective advocate for New Jersey families at the federal level.
Gill’s campaign platform highlights a focus on issues critical to North Jersey residents. Key priorities include reducing the cost of living for working families, defending reproductive rights, safeguarding democracy through fair and secure elections, and combating climate change while fostering a clean-energy economy that supports good-paying jobs. He has pledged to be a persistent voice for policies that reflect New Jersey’s values and meet the needs of its diverse communities.
“I’m proud of what we’ve achieved here in Essex County — but I know there’s so much more we can do for our state and our country,” Gill stated. “From fighting for affordable health care to ensuring every child has access to a great public education, I’ll be a tireless advocate for New Jersey’s values in Congress.”
With this endorsement, Gill gains not only organizational support but also a significant boost in visibility and momentum as the special election approaches. The race for CD-11 is shaping up to be competitive, with multiple candidates vying to succeed Sherrill, but Gill’s combination of local governance experience, political strategy expertise, and clear policy priorities positions him as a formidable contender.
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