State Sen. Raj Mukherji (D-Jersey City) has endorsed Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair) for governor.
“I know Mikie will expand early childhood education, improve access to childcare, and protect the quality of my children’s education because she’s lived those priorities firsthand as a mom,” said Mukherji. “As a former federal prosecutor, she has the experience to champion public safety and prioritize quality of life in our cities.”
Mukherji had a tough balancing act over the last seven months: he is closely allied with Hudson County Democratic leaders supporting Sherrill, including County Executive Craig Guy and Union City Mayor/State Sen. Brian P. Stack, but also represents Jersey City, where Mayor Steve Fulop was a gubernatorial candidate.
“As an accomplished member of Congress, she’s fought tirelessly for New Jersey – standing up for healthcare, affordability, strong public schools, infrastructure, public transit, and climate justice, just as she will do as Governor,” Mukherji said. “She’s been running toward the fight her whole life; Mikie has the tenacity and experience we need to take on extremism and deliver real results, and I’m proud to be all in for her.”
Mukherji, a Marine veteran and the chairman-elect of the National Asian Pacific American Caucus of State Legislatures, chairs the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.
“With our common background as military veterans, record of legislative effectiveness, and commitment to expanding health care access for New Jerseyans, I’m honored to receive Senator Mukherji’s endorsement,” stated Sherrill. “I look forward to his partnership and his help sharing my vision for our state with New Jersey’s one million Asian Americans and to communities across our urban centers.”
Timberlake endorsement
On election night, State Sen. Britnee Timberlake (D-East Orange), one of the state’s most progressive lawmakers, endorsed Sherrill; she had stayed out of the primary that pitted Sherrill against Newark Mayor Ras Baraka.
“Mikie is a candidate who will continue fighting for the values we hold dear. Her leadership, dedication, and vision for our state reflect the very essence of what it means to serve the people with integrity,” Timberlake said. “By uniting behind our nominee, Mikie Sherrill, we ensure that the progress we’ve fought for continues, and that our shared values triumph over division. Let’s put Principles Over Politics and save our democracy.”
Cape May County Democrats, which didn’t take sides in the primary, have also endorsed Sherrill.
“We enthusiastically look forward to helping Mikie Sherrill in her run for governor,” said Democratic County Chair Marie Blistan. “Sherrill is no stranger to Cape May County and has visited here numerous times, including headlining a party fundraiser.”
The New Jersey Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association, an early backer of Sherrill, reaffirmed its support of the four-term congresswoman in the general election.
“Our growing FMBA union family made a strong call for Mikie to enter the race, as soon as she did we gave her our unequivocal endorsement,” said Eddie Donnelley, the union president. “That set in motion months of hard work, our members advocating at doorsteps all over New Jersey for the candidate we know most qualified to lead our state into the future.”