Sherrill re-election bid endorsed by nurses union

The Health Professionals and Allied Employees (HPAE), a 14,000-member New Jersey union representing registered nurses and other health care workers, endorsed Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair)’s re-election campaign this morning.

“Mikie has consistently displayed the leadership and vision that makes us proud to endorse her reelection to Congress in the 11th district of New Jersey,” HPAE President Debbie White said in a statement. “Whether it is advocating for safe working conditions for healthcare workers, or ensuring University Hospital has the support it needs to serve the public, Mikie has stood behind the nurses and healthcare workers across New Jersey.”

Sherrill first flipped the 11th district in suburban North Jersey in a 2018 landslide, and held it by a reduced margin in 2020. The HPAE, which is politically progressive and consistently backs Democratic candidates, endorsed Sherrill both times.

This year, Sherrill faces former Assistant Passaic County Prosecutor Paul DeGroot in a district that was redrawn to be substantially more Democratic. DeGroot, who unexpectedly won the Republican primary against Morris County Commissioner Tayfun Selen, has yet to attract much outside attention or money, and Republicans seem likely to focus more on other competitive New Jersey districts in November instead.