Sherrill was in Cape May, Ocean and Monmouth to boost local Democrats

Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair) spent Sunday stumping for Democratic candidates across the state as she continues to explore a bid for the Democratic nomination for governor in 2025.

She boosted the campaigns of Ben Giovine for mayor of Toms River – he is Andy Kim’s district director – and for Cape May county commissioner candidates; Democrats haven’t won a countywide race there in 23 years and is less than one percent of the total statewide Democratic primary vote, but the new county chair is Marie Blistan, a former New Jersey Education Association president and one of six women holding county chair posts.

In front of a full crowd in Red Bank on Sunday evening, Sherrill talked about her career as a U.S. Navy helicopter pilot as the headliner at a fundraiser for Monmouth County Democrats.  She pushed the party faithful to make sure State Sen. Vin Gopal (D-Long Branch) gets re-elected, along with Democratic Assembly challengers Margie Donlon and Luanne Peterpaul.

“I’m here tonight because Vin got in right before I got into office, and I have seen him again and again put the needs of the community first,” Sherrill said.

“We’re thrilled that Congresswoman Sherrill’s here to raise money for LD-11 and Monmouth County Democrats; we appreciate her friendship and support,” Gopal told the New Jersey Globe. “Tonight, she had the opportunity to meet Democrats from around the county, and this was a really great event, and these resources are much needed as we’re 23 days out to the election.”

After brief remarks, Sherrill worked the crowd – many of them seeing the potential statewide contender for the first time.

The Monmouth-based 11th district features one of the state’s most competitive legislative races.  Gopal faces Republican Steve Dnistrian, a political newcomer who spent his career in the private sector.  Donlon, an Ocean Township councilwoman, and Peterpaul, a former municipal court judge, are trying to unseat two freshmen GOP Assemblywomen, Marilyn Piperno (R-Colts Neck) and Kim Eulner (R-Shrewsbury).

In addition to raising money, part of Sherrill’s mission was to help energize the Democratic base – a necessity in an off-year, low-turnout election.

The 11th district is one of this year’s most competitive races – having Sherrill in attendance helps the Democrats fundraise, but she might also help energize their base.  In an off-year, low-turnout election, getting the base excited will be pivotal.

“With less than a month until Election Day, it’s exciting to see so much enthusiasm on the ground for our Democratic candidates,” said Sherrill.  “There’s a lot at stake in this election, from reproductive freedom to making our state a more affordable place to live, and I’ll continue working to make sure our candidates have the resources and support they need to win in November.”

Sherrill is not the only potential gubernatorial candidate fundraising for legislative Democrats this year.  Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-Wyckoff) and former Senate President Steve Sweeney have also given significant support to legislative Democrats this year.   Gottheimer, the Human Fundraising Machine, has raised and contributed over $600,000 to his fellow Democrats this year.

The lone announced gubernatorial candidate, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, raised over $100,00 for the Democratic Assembly Campaign Committee last week at an event co-sponsored by Union City Mayor/State Sen. Brian P. Stack, and the next Hudson County Executive, Craig Guy.

Fulop’s support of Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin’s bid to hold the Democratic majority in the lower house could help him build support in Middlesex County, where he grew up.