OPINION
Let me state from the outset. I am supporting Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill for Governor in 2025 just as I endorsed and supported her successful efforts for Congress starting in 2018. When I first sat down with Mikie, I knew she had “it.” And boy, we are going to need a leader who has it to lead our state.
Some things, even in politics and governing, have staying power. Mikie Sherrill has what it takes. She is real and, in my experience, the best candidate for a job I know only too well.
While declaring my early support in the upcoming race, let me also set a gracious tone as will she, I am sure.
There will be more than a few candidates both in the 2025 gubernatorial primaries and in the fall’s General Election (after all, the other side gets to play, too). The Democratic candidates, and expected entrants, all have impressive credentials.
The Democratic primary will offer a healthy and spirited framework for the various candidates to make their case for electability. For the voter base, that’s something that was sorely lacking in the run-up to this year’s presidential election.
An intraparty contest is not a flaw; it’s the virtue of a primary election. Voters use the primary as a selection process to choose a standard bearer. It is a strengthening process, not a sign of party weakness.
So, I salute the efforts of the many while acknowledging their credentials and their willingness and dedication to the electoral process.
In my humble opinion, however, if the Democrats want to win next fall, Mikie Sherrill with her skills, her commitment to her duties, her discipline and her hard work will make a compelling case to lead New Jersey.
First, Mikie’s resume may be one of the most distinguished for any public official in America. Navy veteran, helicopter pilot, former federal prosecutor and now a leader in Congress who has served her constituents with humility, dignity, and resolve.
Mikie is a seasoned candidate. She knows how to build coalitions and how to win tough, competitive races. After flipping the congressional seat in 2018 in a safe Republican district, she now wins by double digits. Her electoral success has garnered national attention.
In fact, she regularly earns more votes than any New Jersey House Democrat in her elections and outperforms the top of the ticket, a signal of a strong base of support in her own right.
When she was atop the ticket in 2022, for example, in addition to her Democratic base, her estimated support included 24% of Republican and 64% of unaffiliated voters. She has built strong campaigns with high turnouts delivering much-needed support for down-ballot candidates.
Mikie is a true servant leader. She knows the importance of listening to her constituents and then taking action. She cares about those she serves and fights hard for what she knows is right. All attributes much needed in an executive leading our state.
She knows the issues well. On the critical concerns for the average New Jerseyan, she is as well-versed as any public official I know. She understands and has studied the concerns of affordability, infrastructure, government spending, taxation and defending our freedoms.
That’s why a coalition of labor, grassroots, advocacy groups — and even members of the opposition party — have supported Mikie during her congressional races. And it’s why Republican strategists say they are more nervous to run against her than anyone else.
The average New Jerseyan should have faith and confidence in their candidates and in their public officials. After all, they want to be able to trust them to do right by them. It’s the least they should expect.
My reasons for supporting Mikie Sherrill for Governor are fundamental. She has earned our trust, our respect, and our support.
Richard J. Codey served as the 53rd Governor of New Jersey from 2004 to 2006 and as New Jersey’s longest-serving legislator, retiring after 50 years.
See here for a full list of endorsements in New Jersey’s 2025 gubernatorial contest.