Firefighters will back Sherrill for governor

The state’s largest firefighter’s union wants Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair) to run for governor next year and says they will endorse her if she enters the race.

The New Jersey Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association voted unanimously today to encourage Sherrill’s candidacy with an early show of support from a union with 107 locals and a membership of more than 6,000 firefighters, EMS, and dispatchers. 

“The NJ FMBA is no stranger to coming out early in support of candidates best suited for the office they seek,” said Eddie Donnelly, the union president.  “Perhaps it is in our nature as first responders – jobs that, when performed most successfully, are from an offensive position. Mikie Sherrill – an effective Congresswoman and former Navy helicopter pilot – understands this to her core.”

Donnelly cited Sherrill’s “unwavering commitment to our union,” and her votes in Congress to support firefighters.   He said the NJ FMBA was “pledging our full and enthusiastic support should she jump in the race.”

“The leadership of the NJ FMBA is committed to ensuring that our growing membership is always empowered when it comes to shaping public policies that affect our jobs and families. Having struggled and thrived through very different administrations, we have come to recognize the type of leader we can trust – and that’s Mikie,” Donnelly stated.  “From Paterson to Atlantic City, Long Branch to Dover, our membership knows wholeheartedly that Mikie Sherrill is the right type of leader for our Union and the Garden State.”

Sherrill is the strong favorite to win re-election this year, and appears ready to enter the race after the November 5 general election.

In August, the Laborers’ International Union of North America said they would also support Sherrill if she enters the Democratic gubernatorial race.