U.S. Representative Mikie Sherrill has quickly become one of the most closely watched political figures in New Jersey, as she navigates her campaign for governor while continuing her active role in Congress. With the general election set for November 4, 2025, Sherrill is preparing to face Republican challenger Jack Ciattarelli in what many analysts are calling one of the most competitive gubernatorial races in the country.
Recent polling shows Sherrill with a slight lead, but the race is expected to be tight. Ciattarelli, who has secured the endorsement of former President Donald Trump, came within striking distance of defeating Governor Phil Murphy in the previous election. That near-win has given Republicans momentum, setting the stage for a hard-fought campaign.
One of the defining issues so far has been energy costs. Sherrill has pledged to freeze utility rates for one year and has positioned herself as a supporter of nuclear, solar, and battery energy technology as part of a broader strategy to reduce long-term costs. Her opponents, however, have criticized the plan as politically motivated and lacking in specifics. The debate over electricity prices is expected to play a significant role in shaping voter sentiment as the election approaches.
Sherrill is also working to strengthen her support among Black and Hispanic voters, groups where Democrats lost some ground during the 2024 cycle. Her campaign has launched targeted outreach in key urban and suburban areas, emphasizing her positions on healthcare access, education, and job creation. Meanwhile, Ciattarelli’s campaign is leaning heavily into cultural issues, recently airing an ad criticizing Sherrill’s support for LGBTQ-inclusive education in schools.
The contrast between the two candidates has been underscored by national coverage. In a profile published this fall, Ciattarelli attempted to frame Sherrill as an “outsider,” despite her established record representing New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District. Sherrill, in turn, has highlighted her background as a former Navy helicopter pilot, federal prosecutor, and legislator, portraying herself as both an experienced leader and a champion for working families.
Sherrill’s campaign also gained momentum in September with the endorsement of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), one of the largest unions representing federal workers. The union cited her 100% voting record on labor issues as a key reason for backing her gubernatorial bid, a boost that could strengthen her ties with organized labor across the state.
Even while running for governor, Sherrill has maintained an active presence in Washington. Just days before the endorsement announcement, she voted in favor of a House resolution condemning the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. While her “yes” vote signaled opposition to political violence, Sherrill also used the occasion to voice strong criticism of Kirk’s political views and former President Trump’s response to the killing.
Her recent work in Congress also reflects her dual focus on national security and local priorities. Over the summer, she secured funding for programs at Picatinny Arsenal through the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and supported measures to increase accountability for how the Pentagon manages classified information. She also joined the newly formed Democratic Veterans Caucus in June, adding her voice to a group seeking to elevate military and veterans’ issues within the party.
On healthcare, Sherrill issued a strong rebuke after the Trump administration revoked federal guidance on emergency abortion care under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA). She warned that the change could create confusion in hospitals and jeopardize patient care. Earlier in the year, she attended a ribbon-cutting for a green affordable housing development in Livingston that received more than $2 million in federal support, emphasizing her commitment to bringing infrastructure dollars back to New Jersey communities.
As the gubernatorial race gains intensity, Sherrill’s ability to balance her role in Congress with the demands of a statewide campaign will be tested. Both she and Ciattarelli enter the fall with advantages: Sherrill with strong fundraising and union backing, and Ciattarelli with conservative enthusiasm and national endorsements. The next six weeks promise a fast-paced campaign that will determine not only who leads New Jersey but also signal the direction of the state’s politics for years to come.
New Jersey residents seeking information on veteran benefits and healthcare had the opportunity to engage with experts from the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) during a recent fall webinar series hosted by a state representative’s office. The session provided a comprehensive overview of the programs, resources, and healthcare services available to veterans across the state. Participants were able to ask questions directly to VA representatives and receive guidance on accessing benefits.
For those who were unable to attend the live event, the full webinar is available to watch on the representative’s YouTube channel, ensuring that all veterans and their families can access the valuable information shared during the discussion. Supporting materials, including presentation slides and resource guides from the session, have also been made available online, offering a detailed reference for attendees and those following up independently.
Organizers expressed appreciation to all participants who joined the session and submitted questions, emphasizing that residents with additional inquiries can reach out directly to the representative’s office by phone or email for further assistance.
Looking ahead, the fall webinar series continues with a focus on Medicare Enrollment. Scheduled for September 23, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., the session will feature panelists from the Social Security Administration and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The event is open for registration online, providing another opportunity for New Jersey residents to gain important insights into federal healthcare programs and enrollment processes.
Residents who missed the earlier webinar on Scams and Fraud Prevention can still view the full recording online, ensuring that critical information on protecting personal finances and identifying potential fraud remains accessible to the public. These webinars represent a broader effort to connect New Jersey communities with essential federal programs and resources in an accessible and informative format.
For continued coverage of New Jersey’s gubernatorial race and the latest developments from Washington, visit Explore New Jersey Politics.
