Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair) is endorsing Michael Bloomberg for the Democratic nomination for president, giving the former New York City mayor the backing of a rising star in New Jersey politics.
Sherrill praised Bloomberg’s commitment to reducing gun violence, his support for New Jersey infrastructure projects, and his plan to help veterans transition to civilian life.
“I served in the Navy with members of our military community dedicated to making our country safer and stronger, and it’s clear we need the same level of commitment from our political leaders,” said Sherrill. “Mike Bloomberg embodies the integrity we need from leadership and I am proud to give my support to him today. His unwavering commitment to making our schools and streets safe from gun violence, investing in our region’s infrastructure, creating opportunities for our veterans, and protecting our environment is proof that Mike Bloomberg won’t back down from the many serious challenges we face as a country.”
Sherrill called Bloomberg “a true public servant.”
“I’m confident he will move this country forward into a bright future,” the freshman congresswoman said.
Bloomberg lauded Sherrill as a “true patriot, a leader with integrity and the courage to act on her convictions, and we need more people like her in elected office.”
“She deserves to work with a president whose allegiance is to the country, not himself, and who is as committed as she is to rebuilding our infrastructure, reducing gun violence, and honoring our veterans — and that’s what I’ll be,” Bloomberg said. “I’m honored to have her support, and I look forward to working in partnership with her, building support across the aisle, and getting things done.”
The endorsement comes one day before Bloomberg will deliver a speech on protecting veterans and military families in Norfolk, Virginia.
Sherrill had endorsed Cory Booker for president in early 2019, along with the rest of the New Jersey congressional delegation.
Through his Independence USA PAC, Bloomberg spent more than $2.2 million on TV ads to boost Sherrill’s 2018 campaign for Congress in New Jersey’s 11th district.
Joe Biden had also stumped for Sherrill in that race, visiting Montclair to help the former Navy helicopter pilot and federal prosecutor flip a district held by the Republicans for 34 years.
Sherrill is the fourth New Jersey Democrat to takes sides in the presidential race since Booker dropped out of the race last month.
Rep. Tom Malinowski (D-Ringoes) endorsed Biden the day after Booker’s announcement, and Rep. Andy Kim (D-Marlton) will announce his support of Pete Buttigieg on Friday. Both congressmen ousted Republican incumbents in the 2018 mid-term election.
Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. (D-Newark) is also backing Biden.
A fourth seat flipped by Democrats two years ago was won by Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-Dennis). Van Drew had also endorsed Booker, but shifted his support to President Donald Trump when he switched parties last December.
Correction: an earlier version of this story omitted Payne’s endorsement.
And how much $ will in turn kick into her next campaign which promises to be an up hill battle.
Rising star? 1 and done.
I could get behind a Bloomberg/Sherrill ticket