EMILY’s List, a national group that backs Democratic women running for office, endorsed Rep. Mikie Sherrill’s bid for New Jersey governor on Monday, just hours after she announced her campaign.
In a statement shared first with NBC News, EMILY’s List President Jessica Mackler highlighted Sherrill’s military service and her time in Congress, adding that the group hopes she’ll become the first Democratic woman to serve as governor in the Garden State.
“In the United States Navy and in Congress, Rep. Sherrill has shown her unwavering commitment to serving our country and the people of New Jersey. Her record passing bipartisan legislation to bring down health care costs, lower taxes for New Jersey residents, and fight for our reproductive rights is clear. We are thrilled to support Rep. Sherrill and to elect the first Democratic woman governor of New Jersey,” Mackler said.
Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter commander and former federal prosecutor who flipped a Republican-held seat in 2018, is joining an already crowded Democratic field.
Just last week, fellow Rep. Josh Gottheimer announced his bid for governor, and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop are also running.
The race, one of just two gubernatorial elections slated for 2025, is expected to draw lots of attention and spending. Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, is term-limited and not able to run for re-election, leaving an opening for eager Democrats looking to take over the governor’s mansion.
All eyes will be on this race and the race to succeed Virginia GOP Gov. Glenn Youngkin next year, as these off-year elections are often seen as indicators of how voters are reacting to the first year of a new presidential administration.
Sherrill is the first woman to enter the New Jersey race. EMILY’s List has also endorsed Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-Va., who is running in Virginia’s gubernatorial contest.
The organization has previously supported the congressional campaigns of both women.
