U.S. Representative Mikie Sherrill announces her candidacy for Governor of New Jersey

TRENTON — Democratic New Jersey Republican Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey announced Monday that she will run for governor, saying it’s time to fix the state’s economy and make it more affordable.

Sherrill, a former federal prosecutor and U.S. Navy helicopter pilot, joins a crowded field of Democrats vying to succeed Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy, whose second term expires after next year’s election. Murphy cannot run again due to term limits.

In the video announcing her runSherrill introduced herself as a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and a helicopter pilot, drawing on her military experience.

“I learned early on: In a crisis, the worst thing you can do is freeze,” she said. “You have to choose whether you want to lead, follow or get out of the way.”

She then stated in the video that the state’s economy needed to be repaired.

“Let’s make life more affordable for hardworking New Jerseyans, from health care to groceries to child care,” she said. “These challenges are not new and it is time to address them.”

Sherrill represented the 11th District, which includes parts of Essex, Morris and Passaic Countiessince her election in 2018 during the midterms of President-elect Donald Trump’s first administration. Sherrill took the district out of Republican control with the retirement of former Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen and has since been re-elected three times.

Before being elected to Congress, she was a U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey. She served in the Navy from 1994 to 2003.

Sherrill joins another U.S. House Democrat member Josh Gottheimerwho announced his candidacy for governor last week.

Also seeking the Democratic nod are Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, teachers union president Sean Spiller and former state Senate President Steve Sweeney.

Republicans are also lining up to run. They include state Sen. Jon Bramnick, former state legislator Jack Ciattarelli, former state Sen. Ed Durr and radio host Bill Spadea.

If Sherrill must resign her House seat, state law calls for the governor to call a special election if a seat becomes vacant 70 days before the election.

New Jersey and Virginia are the only states with gubernatorial races next year.