PARSIPPANY – Many Republicans probably think Mikie Sherrill is going to be the Democratic nominee for governor.
That sentiment is pretty evident in Morris County where a small, but influential, group of elected GOP officials and leaders met Monday for lunch at the Capital Grille.
“Mikie Sherrill is very popular in Morris County,” acknowledged Thomas “Ace” Gallagher, the mayor of Hanover Township. Morris, of course, represents a large part of Sherrill’s 11th congressional district.
Sherrill’s perceived popularity is a potential problem for Morris Republicans, some of whom fear her candidacy this fall may mean more votes for Democrats down ballot.
Today’s gathering was designed to highlight that threat and to raise money to combat it.
State Sen. Anthony M. Bucco, the minority leader, said that years ago, once a Republican won the primary, the race was over
But now, in a more competitive county, “We fight for every vote.”
Two caveats are needed here.
It is true that the Dems have had some success at the top of the ballot.
Sherrill has carried Morris every time she has run and Joe Biden and Cory Booker won the county in 2020. (Donald Trump won it last year).
But that has not filtered down to state, county and most municipal races. Republicans hold every county office and all state legislative seats covering Morris County.
By any measure, Morris is an extremely desirable place to live. So it’s hard for opponents to convince voters that a political change is needed. That is not changing. For example, County Sheriff James Gannon is running unopposed this fall for the second election cycle in a row. Democrats are fielding county commission candidates this year, but it is still an uphill battle.
The second caveat is that there is no guarantee Sherrill will win the nomination and top the Dems’ fall ticket.
A recent poll put Steve Fulop only a few points behind her.
Bucco, in fact, argued why Sherrill would not make a good candidate, or governor.
He noted how the last two Democratic governors – Jon Corzine and Phil Murphy – have lacked municipal experience.
“They don’t understand how their policies affect people on the local level. They haven’t been there,” he said.
Sherrill, who has only served in Congress, can fit that description too.
If Bucco reaches that conclusion, so will Sherrill’s primary opponents.
With six candidates in the Democratic field, the primary remains wide open.
Sherrill’s Candidacy Sparks Concerns for GOP – Insider NJ
Mikie Sherrill, a former Navy pilot and federal prosecutor, has emerged as a strong contender in the race for New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District. Her candidacy has sparked concerns among Republicans, who see her as a formidable opponent in the upcoming election.
Sherrill’s background as a military veteran and prosecutor has resonated with voters in the district, which covers parts of Essex, Morris, Passaic, and Sussex counties. Her focus on issues such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure has garnered support from a wide range of voters, including independents and moderate Republicans.
The GOP is worried that Sherrill’s appeal to moderate voters could make it difficult for their candidate to win in November. With the district traditionally leaning Republican, the party is concerned that Sherrill’s candidacy could tip the scales in favor of the Democrats.
In response to Sherrill’s candidacy, Republicans have ramped up their efforts to support their candidate and highlight their own strengths. They are emphasizing their record on issues such as tax cuts, job creation, and national security in an effort to appeal to voters in the district.
Despite the concerns from the GOP, Sherrill remains confident in her campaign and her ability to win in November. She has been actively campaigning throughout the district, meeting with voters and discussing her plans for the future.
As the race heats up in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District, all eyes will be on Sherrill and the GOP candidate as they battle it out for the seat. With both candidates vying for support from voters across the political spectrum, the outcome of the election remains uncertain.
