New Jersey Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill used the U.S. House of Representatives’ first session since the government shutdown on Oct. 1 to announce her resignation as the representative for New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District.
“This will be my last speech in this chamber,” she said Wednesday evening as the House debated in advance of a vote on a Senate-passed funding deal that would end the longest-running government closure in U.S. history.
“I intend to submit my resignation next week and turn to protecting all of New Jersey,” Sherrill said during the 90 seconds allotted to her during the Nov. 12 debate.
Sherrill was first elected to the suburban North Jersey district in 2018, riding a wave of dissatisfaction with then-President Donald Trump to win a seat that the Republican Party had held for decades. The 11th, which was redrawn after the 2020 Census, now covers parts of Morris, Passaic and Essex counties.
She did not give a specific date for her resignation. Her swearing-in as governor is scheduled for Jan. 20.
Sherrill joined most Democrats in opposing the bill to reopen the government, citing the Republicans’ move to cut health insurance subsidies.
“I rise in opposition to a rule for a bill that does nothing to protect over 450,000 New Jerseyans who will see their health care premiums skyrocket,” she said. “I took my first oath to the Constitution when I was 18 and went to the Naval Academy. It’s an oath to serve, to run toward the fight. And so I ran for Congress after I saw Washington Republicans attacking the Affordable Care Act.
“I promised I would take on the status quo. I would fight the big fights, because that’s what people expect of their leaders,” Sherrill said. “That’s what people deserve from their leaders. And I’m proud of the wins that I’ve delivered.”
Mikie Sherrill’s parting words
She took time to review some of her accomplishments in office, which she said included “capping the cost of insulin in prescription drugs for seniors, funding the Gateway Tunnel, the PACT Act for veterans, flood mitigation projects, delivering for Picatinny Arsenal.”
“You have trusted me, New Jersey, and last week, you placed your trust in me again, electing me your 57th governor,” she continued. “So I ran on a similar promise to take on anyone and stop at nothing to lower costs and build opportunity for everyone.”
Her parting message included thanks to her constituents and staff, and a challenge to her colleagues.
“Do not let this body become a ceremonial red stamp from an administration that rips health care away from people and takes food away from children,” she said. “To the country, I say, stand strong. As we say in the Navy, don’t give up the ship.”
She was embraced by several colleagues on the House floor as the debate continued.
Who will replace her in Congress?
Sherrill was reelected to the House three times before mounting her campaign to succeed two-term Gov. Phil Murphy this year.
Despite most polls showing a tight race, she won a decisive victory on Nov. 4, beating Republican nominee Jack Cittarelli with 57% of the vote.
A long list of Democrats has already declared interest in succeeding her in Congress, including former District 7 Rep. Tom Malinowski, who lost his seat to Tom Kean Jr. in 2022. Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill and Passaic County Commissioner John Bartlett have also declared on the Democratic side. So far only one Republican, Randolph Mayor Joe Hathaway, has announced his candidacy.
A special election will be called to fill the 11th District seat.
