Mikie Sherrill is the governor of New Jersey. A former congresswoman, she served as a Navy helicopter pilot before entering politics, giving her a background in national security. She won the 2025 governor's race against Jack Ciattarelli, a MAGA-friendly challenger endorsed by Donald Trump, outperforming Kamala Harris's 2024 margin in the state by seven points and returning New Jersey to the double-digit Democratic margins it enjoyed between 2008 and 2020. Her victory broke a streak going back to 1961: the last time a candidate won the New Jersey governorship after an incumbent from the same party had served two consecutive terms. Ms Sherrill pledged to declare a state of emergency on utility costs on her first day in office. Her campaign steered clear of culture-war quagmires and focused on law enforcement and pragmatic competence.
"I am ready to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter."