In the fast-paced race for New Jersey’s Democratic gubernatorial nomination, Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair) remains the frontrunner in endorsements, with political insiders anticipating her lead will grow further when she secures the influential backing of the Hudson County Democratic Organization (HCDO) in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-Tenafly) has surged ahead in congressional endorsements. Eight members of the U.S. House of Representatives announced their support for Gottheimer today, giving him the largest bloc of federal lawmakers in his corner. The endorsing representatives include Ed Case (D-Hawaii), Jared Golden (D-Maine), Susie Lee (D-Nevada), Kathy Manning (D-North Carolina), Jared Moskowitz (D-Florida), Jimmy Panetta (D-California), Tom Suozzi (D-New York), and Ritchie Torres (D-New York).
“I’m hugely honored to have earned endorsements from my colleagues in the House,” Gottheimer said in a statement. “I’m also proud to have built a strong record in Congress of making life more affordable for Jersey families. I’ll be the Lower Taxes, Lower Costs Governor, always working to protect our Jersey Values.”
Sherrill, who has four congressional endorsements, enjoys support from Jason Crow (D-Colorado), Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pennsylvania), Abigail Spanberger (D-Virginia), and Elissa Slotkin (D-Michigan). Spanberger, originally from Red Bank, New Jersey, is also running for governor in Virginia next year. Slotkin recently transitioned to the Senate after her victory in Michigan’s closely watched race.
In a sign of her rising influence, Sherrill’s anticipated endorsement from the HCDO—one of the state’s most powerful political organizations—could further cement her status as the Democratic establishment favorite. Insiders view the HCDO endorsement as a potential game-changer in a state where county organizations wield substantial power in shaping election outcomes.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka remains competitive, boasting strong support from New Jersey’s congressional delegation. Baraka has received endorsements from Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Ewing) and LaMonica McIver (D-Newark). Former Senate President Steve Sweeney is set to match Baraka’s total in January when Rep.-elect Herb Conaway, Jr. (D-Delran) joins Rep. Donald Norcross (D-Camden) in backing his campaign.
As the endorsement race heats up, the battle for the Democratic nomination is shaping up to be a defining moment for New Jersey’s political landscape, with each candidate vying for the support of influential leaders and organizations.
