Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill’s upcoming resignation is generating interest among Democrats eyeing her House seat in New Jersey’s 11th District. A crowded field of nearly a dozen candidates has emerged, showcasing the spectrum of the party’s ideology, from moderates to far-left candidates. Sherrill, recently elected during a strong Democratic showing across blue states, has yet to announce when her resignation will take effect. When she does, it will trigger a special election, giving these candidates a chance to vie for her position.
Among the early contenders is Cammie Croft, a former staffer in the Obama administration, who quickly urged Governor Phil Murphy to set a date for the special election. “In these extraordinary times, New Jersey’s 11th District deserves representation in Washington — not weeks or months of uncertainty,” she stated, emphasizing her intention to fight for crucial issues like rising costs of groceries, energy, and healthcare. Croft already has a solid financial backing with $176,000 in cash-on-hand, according to recent FEC filings.
Another noteworthy candidate is Jeff Grayzel, the Morris Township mayor, who boasts over $310,000 available. Grayzel is committed, declaring, “I am 100% in the race. My full intention is to run for the seat should Mikie win the election, as many believe she will.” He acknowledges that the timeline for the special election is tight and requires significant planning and coordination.
Former House Rep. Tom Malinowski is also in the mix, actively engaging on social media to garner attention for his campaign. Despite currently living outside NJ-11, Malinowski has promised to relocate should he secure victory in the special election. His campaign received a boost when Senator Andy Kim endorsed him, framing Malinowski as a candidate of courage against political pressures. “Politics right now needs courage…@Malinowski has shown that in his actions,” the senator remarked in a video endorsement.
Brendan Gill, endorsed by over 60 local Democrats, enters the race as a prominent party operative. He has a clear message aiming to connect local issues with broader national themes. “I’m running to fight back against Donald Trump and his crooked buddies,” Gill declared in a campaign video, positioning himself against what he sees as a disintegration of American values.
John Bartlett, another candidate with an established presence, carries leftover funds from a previous campaign, positioning him competitively as well. Other names such as Anna Lee Williams, Justin Strickland, and Marc Chaaban are also in play, adding to the array of choices for voters.
However, it’s not only Democrats gearing up for the race. Republican Joe Hathaway, mayor of Randolph Township, has also thrown his hat into the ring, though his candidacy seems overshadowed by the crowded Democrat field.
Sherrill herself captured the district’s attention by winning with a notable 56.34% of the vote in the 2024 election, reinforcing the “Solid D” designation by the Cook Political Report for NJ-11. She took a strong stance in her farewell message to her House colleagues, urging them to resist any push for harmful policies. “To my House colleagues: Do not become a rubber stamp for an agenda to take food and healthcare away from kids,” she warned.
With the race still unfolding and the primary date yet to be announced, it is clear that NJ-11 will be a hotbed of activity as candidates position themselves for a crucial seat in Congress.
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