Sherrill Secures Crucial Middlesex Support in Governor Race
Representative Mikie Sherrill scored a decisive victory at the Middlesex County Democratic Convention on Wednesday, securing the endorsement of one of New Jersey’s most influential political organizations in her bid for governor. The win represents a significant momentum boost for Sherrill as she competes in a crowded Democratic primary field.
According to New Jersey Globe, Sherrill’s victory at the convention was “mammoth,” with observers describing the show of hands as overwhelmingly in her favor against competitors Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and former Senate President Steve Sweeney. Three other candidates—Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, Rep. Josh Gottheimer, and New Jersey Education Association President Sean Spiller—opted not to participate in the Middlesex convention.
Strategic Importance of Middlesex County
The endorsement carries particular weight given Middlesex County’s electoral significance. With 233,937 registered Democrats—approximately 9.6% of the state’s total primary electorate—Middlesex represents a critical voting bloc. In the 2021 Democratic gubernatorial primary, the county produced more votes than any other in New Jersey, accounting for over 10% of total votes cast.
“Middlesex County is the heart of New Jersey—if you win here you can win everywhere,” Sherrill said in a statement released by Insider NJ. “Together, we’re going to bring down housing costs, fund and improve our public schools, and make retirement more affordable for seniors.”
Middlesex County Democratic Chairman Kevin McCabe emphasized the significance of the upcoming gubernatorial election, calling 2025 “a pivotal year” and describing Sherrill as “a leader who will be our first line of defense against a President who is intent on undermining the middle class.” McCabe added, “We believe Mikie epitomizes the leader for working families.”
Building Primary Momentum
This marks Sherrill’s fifth county convention victory, following earlier wins in Hunterdon, Mercer, Monmouth, and Sussex counties. Her main rivals have secured fewer endorsements, with Sweeney winning in Burlington, Atlantic, and Cumberland counties, while Gottheimer has claimed only Bergen County thus far.
The string of convention victories establishes Sherrill as a frontrunner in the Democratic primary race to succeed Governor Phil Murphy, who is term-limited. The primary winner will likely face either former state senator Jack Ciattarelli or radio personality Bill Spadea, both leading contenders for the Republican nomination.
Sherrill leveraged her announcement to contrast her vision with potential Republican governance: “We know all too well what happens when somebody like Jack Ciattarelli or Bill Spadea get into office: They raid funding for NJ TRANSIT, restrict abortion rights, and refuse to pay our bills. We can’t let them bring Trump and Musk’s chaos to New Jersey.”
Thank you to all of the community members who have already dropped off your Valentines for first responders and 9-1-1 operators.
— Rep. Mikie Sherrill (@RepSherrill) February 12, 2025
Today is the last day to submit your cards! 💌 pic.twitter.com/cf7BE6V9pm
Campaign Focus and Background
A four-term congresswoman representing New Jersey’s 11th district, Sherrill brings a diverse résumé to her gubernatorial campaign. Before entering politics, she served as a U.S. Navy helicopter pilot and later as a federal prosecutor. Her campaign has emphasized economic issues affecting working families, specifically highlighting housing affordability, education funding, and retirement security.
While the Middlesex convention focused on the gubernatorial race, the county organization also endorsed candidates for numerous down-ballot positions, including Middlesex County Sheriff, County Clerk, and County Commissioners. Additionally, the convention backed Assembly candidates in seven legislative districts that include portions of Middlesex County.
Primary Landscape
The Democratic primary field remains competitive despite Sherrill’s recent string of victories. Sweeney, as the longtime former Senate President, maintains strong labor support and significant influence in South Jersey. Gottheimer brings substantial fundraising prowess from his role representing the 5th district, while Baraka has built a base of progressive support centered in Essex County.
Fulop, who has governed Jersey City since 2013, and Spiller, who combines his role as state teachers’ union president with experience as Montclair’s former mayor, round out the field of major candidates, though both skipped the Middlesex convention.
With New Jersey’s primary scheduled for June 2025, the candidates have several months to continue building support before voters make their decision. However, county party endorsements like Middlesex’s provide crucial organizational backing and coveted ballot positioning that can significantly influence primary outcomes.
