Mikie Sherrill endorses Rebecca Bennett for Congress in NJ-7

The bond between Gov. Mikie Sherrill and congressional candidate Rebecca Bennett goes beyond party politics. Both are mothers. Both flew Navy helicopters. And now, as Democrats target one of the nation’s most competitive House districts, Sherrill is throwing her support behind Bennett’s campaign to represent New Jersey’s 7th district in Washington.

“This is a woman who is the full package,” said Sherrill. “I always say that if you want to get something done, all you have to do is ask a mom and a helicopter pilot.”

The post-primary endorsement is no surprise – Sherrill is now the titular head of the state’s Democratic Party – but Sherrill came right out of the gate with a shot at the Republican incumbent, Rep. Tom Kean, Jr. (R-Westfield), her former congressional colleague.

“She is really a fighter, and it’s really in sharp contrast to Tom Kean Jr.,” she said.  “He is not fighting for our families. Rebecca will.”

Taking on Kean isn’t unusual for Sherrill, who campaigned for Democrat Sue Altman against Kean in 2024.

The endorsement comes six days before Kean is set to return to Washington after an undisclosed health issue has sidelined him since March.  After missing 135 votes, Kean has promised to fully disclose the details of his health when he returns next week.   He told the New Jersey Globe his issues are not chronic and that whatever illness he has will not affect his cognitive skills.

Sherill didn’t take sides in the Democratic primary, but there had been indications as early as last year that she preferred Bennett.

“Rebecca Bennett knows what it means to put service above self from her time as a Navy helicopter pilot, and she’s stepping up to serve once again because New Jersey families deserve a leader in Congress who will actually fight for them,” Sherrill stated.  “This is how we take back the majority.”

Bennett, a former health care executive and first-time candidate, won a four-way Democratic primary on June 2 with 45%, running 25 points ahead of her nearest rival, Tina Shah.

Donald Trump won the 7th district by one point in 2024, and Sherrill carried it by two points last year against her GOP opponent, Jack Ciattarelli.