National, local women’s groups back Sherrill for governor

Two Democratic women’s groups – one local and another national – today endorsed a bid by Mikie Sherrill to become the first Democratic woman to serve as Governor of New Jersey.

The Morris County Democratic Women’s Caucus voted to back Sherrill, a former U.S. Navy helicopter pilot and federal prosecutor who was re-elected this month to a fourth term in Congress from a district that includes part of Morris County.

Sherrill announced her candidacy on Monday.

“Mikie is the best choice for New Jersey’s future. She will protect our rights, help make New Jersey a better place to live for all, and stand up to any agenda that excludes or harms our citizens,” said Meghan Lynch, the organization’s chair.  “Our Congresswoman will work hard with everyone, regardless of party, to make our state more affordable and increase opportunities.”

Lynch called Sherrill an “incredibly effective and has shown time and again that she can get things done for New Jerseyans without compromising her principles.”

The MCDWC has backed Sherrill since she first ran for Congress in 2018

Sherrill also received the endorsement of Elect Democratic Women, an organization led by women in the U.S. House of Representatives with a mission of increasing the number of pro-choice Democratic women.

“Sherrill is a true public servant who has been a staunch advocate for women’s reproductive freedom and for policies that support women and families, especially military families,” said Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pennsylvania, an EDW board member

Pointing to her military and law enforcement credentials, Houlahan said that Sherrill  “is no stranger to service and advocacy for the American people, and we know she will always continue that service for the people of New Jersey.”

Sherrill said she’s been “proud to work alongside this talented group of lawmakers to make life more affordable and grow the economy, protect reproductive freedom, and ensure veterans’ and military families’ needs are met here in New Jersey.”

“My North Star will always be getting big things done for New Jersey — like lowering the cost of groceries, housing, and health care — and I’m proud to have Elect Democratic Women’s support in this mission,” she said.

Earlier this week, Emily’s List also endorsed Sherrill for governor.  These endorsements can boost Sherrill’s fundraising and, in the case of the Morris County Democratic Women’s Caucus, provide boots on the ground in New Jersey.

In addition to Houlahan, Sherrill has also been endorsed by three other House colleagues – all with national security and foreign policy backgrounds – with whom she forged an alliance as a first-term Democrat six years ago: Jason Crow (D-California), Abigail Spanberger (D-Virginia), and Elissa Slotkin (D-Michigan).

Spanberger, a Red Bank native, is running for governor of Virginia next year; Slotkin was elected to the U.S. Senate on November 5.