Sherrill endorses Codey for Senate

Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair) is taking sides in her home legislative district, backing State Sen. Richard Codey (D-Roseland) in a Democratic primary against another incumbent, State Sen. Nia Gill (D-Montclair).

Legislative redistricting forced Codey and Gill into an incumbent vs. incumbent primary in the 27th district.   Codey was an early supporter of Sherrill’s campaign for Congress in 2018.

“Governor Codey has served honorably across all levels of New Jersey government and his legacy as the longest-serving legislator in the state is admirable,” Sherrill said.

Sherrill is also backing Assemblyman John McKeon (D-West Orange) and Alixon Collazos-Gill for the State Assembly in the 27th.  Collazos-Gill is seeking the seat of Thomas P. Giblin (D-Montclair), who is not seeking re-election to a tenth term.

“Reinforced by his years as Mayor of West Orange, Assemblyman. McKeon has been a proven leader and fighter for New Jerseyans in his two decades in Trenton,” the three-term congressman said.  “And I am excited by the candidacy of Alixon Collazos-Gill, who will make history as the first woman and Latina to represent LD-27.  She will bring a valuable, fresh perspective to the State Assembly.”

McKeon and Collazos-Gill face Eve Robinson, a former Montclair school board member running with Nia Gill, and former Assemblyman Craig Stanley in the June 6 Democratic primary.

Sherrill is also supporting the organization line candidates in the next-door-28th district: State Sen. Renee Burgess (D-Irvington), Assemblywoman Cleopatra Tucker (D-Newark), and Deputy County Clerk Garnet Hall, who is seeking the seat being vacated by retiring Assemblywoman Mila Jasey (D-South Orange).

“Senator. Burgess has been an exemplary public servant, from her time on the Irvington School Board to her work with the National Action Network and the NAACP,” Sherill said.  “Assemblywoman Tucker is a proven champion for New Jerseyans and veterans in her nearly two decades in Trenton.  And building on extensive experience in Maplewood politics, Garnet Hall will make an excellent addition to the State Assembly.  This team will also make history as the first all-Black female ticket to represent LD-28.”

Tucker and Hall, the Maplewood Democratic vice chair, face a primary challenge from former Maplewood Mayor Frank McGehee.

“These two tickets recognize the stakes in November,” Sherrill said.  “I look forward to continuing to work with them all to deliver a stronger, more prosperous future for New Jersey.”