In a significant boost to her gubernatorial campaign, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair) has garnered endorsements from a powerhouse lineup of Democratic leaders in Mercer County, including County Chair Janice Mironov, County Executive Dan Benson, and Hamilton Mayor Jeff Martin. This united show of support positions Sherrill well ahead in the race for endorsements in a county home to over 120,000 registered Democrats.
Mironov, Benson, and Martin headline a coalition of influential Mercer County Democrats rallying behind Sherrill. The group includes State Senator Linda Greenstein (D-Plainsboro), Assemblymembers Anthony Verrelli (D-Hopewell) and Tennille McCoy (D-Hamilton), Mercer County Sheriff Jack Kemler, County Clerk Paula Sollami-Covello, and three county commissioners: Cathleen Lewis, Kristin McLaughlin, and Lucylle Walter.
Additionally, six Mercer County mayors, including Susan Bluth (Hightstown), Ryan Kennedy (Hopewell Borough), Courtney Peters-Manning (Hopewell Township), Patricia Farmer (Lawrence), and Mark Freda (Princeton), have endorsed Sherrill, joining Mironov, the East Windsor mayor.
The endorsement statement from Mercer Democrats lauded Sherrill’s multifaceted experience and values-driven leadership: “Congresswoman Sherrill uniquely understands the needs of everyday working families, having balanced roles as a veteran, a working mother, and a dedicated public servant. Her campaign reflects how she will govern—responsive and inclusive. As governor, Mikie Sherrill will uphold the values of Mercer County Democrats, from advocating for better family policies and gun safety to promoting small business growth.”
The list of supporters extends deep into Mercer County’s Democratic infrastructure, encompassing Democratic municipal chairs like Deputy Mayor David Russell (East Windsor), Carl Benedetti, Jr. (Ewing), Bob Dorio (Hamilton), and Felicia Spitz (Princeton), as well as local governing body members across the county’s municipalities. Assemblywoman Tennille McCoy, Assemblyman Anthony Verrelli, and a host of other county and municipal leaders such as Mercer County Sheriff Jack Kemler, Clerk Paula Sollami-Covello, and Commissioners Cathleen Lewis, Kristin McLaughlin, and Lucylle Walter. Local officials from towns like Hamilton, Princeton, Hopewell, Hightstown, and Ewing, including mayors, council members, and municipal chairs, have also rallied behind Sherrill, emphasizing her commitment to addressing key issues across the state. Her campaign has further secured the backing of influential leaders within the Mercer County Democratic Committee, including 1st Vice Chair Jennifer Keyes-Maloney and Latino Democratic Caucus President Pedro Medina.
Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura, who will retire after an illustrious 34-year tenure, has also thrown his support behind Sherrill. Fontoura, a towering figure in New Jersey law enforcement with nearly six decades of experience, praised Sherrill’s leadership and law enforcement background as unparalleled among the gubernatorial candidates. Highlighting her work as a former Assistant U.S. Attorney and federal prosecutor, Fontoura emphasized Sherrill’s commitment to justice and public safety, noting her success in securing federal funds to combat auto theft and bolster law enforcement staffing through the COPS Program. “Mikie consistently listens to concerns from constituents and local officials — and then she fights like hell to get the job done,” Fontoura said, underscoring her ability to deliver tangible results for Essex County and beyond. Sherrill’s candidacy has also received an endorsement from Essex County Sheriff-elect Amir Jones.
While Sherrill has amassed broad support, a few prominent Mercer Democrats are backing other candidates. Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Ewing) has endorsed Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, and Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora is supporting Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop.
Mercer County, which boasts the 10th largest bloc of registered Democrats in New Jersey, could play a pivotal role in shaping the Democratic primary. With this wave of endorsements, Sherrill has positioned herself as the candidate to beat, highlighting her appeal as a unifying force in the party and a champion for progressive values.
