New Jersey’s political landscape shifted sharply late Thursday night as Representative Mikie Sherrill formally stepped down from her seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Her resignation, which took effect at 11:59 p.m. on November 20, 2025, marks the beginning of a transition that will soon see her sworn in as New Jersey’s 57th Governor. The move also triggers a special election in North Jersey, setting the stage for one of the state’s most closely watched congressional contests in 2026.
Sherrill’s departure follows her decisive victory earlier this month, when voters across the state elected her governor by a commanding margin over Republican challenger Jack Ciattarelli. With her inauguration scheduled for January 20, 2026, stepping down from Congress was a required and expected part of assuming the governorship. By resigning ahead of schedule, Sherrill opened the door for her district to begin the process of selecting a successor, avoiding a lengthy vacancy and ensuring residents of the 11th District regain representation as soon as possible.
The resignation immediately created an open seat in the 11th District, a region that includes key communities across Essex, Morris, and Passaic counties. Governor Phil Murphy moved quickly, issuing a writ of election on November 21, 2025, to set the timeline for the special race. According to the schedule, primary voters will head to the polls on February 5, 2026, before the abbreviated general election on April 16, 2026. Until the winner is sworn in, the district will temporarily go without a voting member in the U.S. House, an uncommon but not unprecedented circumstance for New Jersey.
Sherrill used her final moments in Congress to reflect on her seven years representing the district and highlight the work she believes left a lasting impact. In her public letter to constituents, she expressed deep gratitude for their trust and emphasized how local voices shaped her priorities throughout her tenure. She pointed to a range of legislative and funding accomplishments, including supporting Picatinny Arsenal, ushering the Gateway Tunnel project forward, passing veteran-focused healthcare legislation, lowering insulin costs, and advancing flood mitigation efforts across the region. Her message underscored her commitment to continuing that advocacy from Trenton.
Even with the congressional seat now vacant, Sherrill’s office will continue to assist residents with casework, federal agency matters, and constituent services. The staff remains operational during the transition, serving as a bridge until a new representative is elected this spring.
With New Jersey preparing for a new governor and a consequential special election, the months ahead signal a reshaping of leadership both in Trenton and Washington. For readers tracking these developments and staying informed on statewide policy shifts, legislative news, and political updates, Explore New Jersey’s coverage of politics offers ongoing insight into the decisions and events influencing communities across the Garden State.
As Sherrill prepares for her inauguration, the district she leaves behind now enters a pivotal moment—one defined by fresh competition, renewed debate, and the opportunity for new representation in the U.S. House. Her tenure in Congress may have closed, but the impact of her legislative work and the next chapter of her public service continue to shape New Jersey’s political story.
