Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill's vacant U.S. House seat will be filled through a special election scheduled to take place on April 16, Governor Phil Murphy announced last Friday.
Sherrill, who is set to become the state's 57th governor on January 20, resigned from Congress at midnight Thursday, prompting Governor Murphy to issue a writ of election to fill her vacant seat. The deadline for primary candidates to file nominating petitions has been set for December 1 at 4 pm, with a special primary election already slated for February 5.
The crowded Democratic field vying for Sherrill's seat includes at least nine Democrats and one Republican, including Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill, former Representative Tom Malinowski, and Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way. In contrast to the Democrats, only one Republican has announced their candidacy, setting up an anticipated contest between Democratic insiders and voters.
The 11th Congressional District, which Sherrill currently represents, spans parts of Essex, Morris, and Passaic counties. Early in-person voting for both the primary and general elections will commence on January 29 and conclude on February 3 and April 14, respectively.
Critics of Murphy's plan to hold a special election have labeled it "blatant political corruption" aimed at protecting Democratic insiders while silencing voters. National Republican Congressional Committee spokeswoman Maureen O'Toole argued that by setting the ballot deadline after Thanksgiving, Governor Murphy is denying access to potential candidates and limiting voter choice.
In the gubernatorial race held earlier this month, Sherrill defeated Republican Jack Ciattarelli with a 14-point margin, solidifying her position as New Jersey's next governor.
Sherrill, who is set to become the state's 57th governor on January 20, resigned from Congress at midnight Thursday, prompting Governor Murphy to issue a writ of election to fill her vacant seat. The deadline for primary candidates to file nominating petitions has been set for December 1 at 4 pm, with a special primary election already slated for February 5.
The crowded Democratic field vying for Sherrill's seat includes at least nine Democrats and one Republican, including Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill, former Representative Tom Malinowski, and Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way. In contrast to the Democrats, only one Republican has announced their candidacy, setting up an anticipated contest between Democratic insiders and voters.
The 11th Congressional District, which Sherrill currently represents, spans parts of Essex, Morris, and Passaic counties. Early in-person voting for both the primary and general elections will commence on January 29 and conclude on February 3 and April 14, respectively.
Critics of Murphy's plan to hold a special election have labeled it "blatant political corruption" aimed at protecting Democratic insiders while silencing voters. National Republican Congressional Committee spokeswoman Maureen O'Toole argued that by setting the ballot deadline after Thanksgiving, Governor Murphy is denying access to potential candidates and limiting voter choice.
In the gubernatorial race held earlier this month, Sherrill defeated Republican Jack Ciattarelli with a 14-point margin, solidifying her position as New Jersey's next governor.
like wut r they worried bout? the guy just wants 2 fill the seat ASAP so we can move on from sherrill's resignin' drama 
it's not like she was doin anything for the state anyway 
plus, the fact that there's already a special primary in february says it all - ppl r ready 2 move on 
and btw, don't @ me when the rep candidate loses 
I just can't believe this 
! So Governor Murphy wants to hold a special election for Mikie Sherrill's seat on April 16? That's like, only three months after she takes over as governor? 
It's already so early in her term and now they're trying to decide who gets her old job too? 
What's the rush? Can't they just let her settle in before messing with her congressional seat?
And what's up with only one Republican even showing up? 
It's gonna be a total snooze fest if this special election happens.
National Republican folks saying it's "blatant political corruption"? Give me a break 
. They just want to stir up drama and win elections, but I'm not buying it. Governor Murphy is just trying to do his job and make sure New Jersey gets some good representation in Congress. 
Let's not get too worked up about this...
, what if no one shows up to vote tho? i'm all for democracy but i think this might be an overreach... and btw why did she have to leave in midnight? didnt she get tired of being a congressman or something? 
! It's crazy how many ppl are already throwing their hats into the ring 
. The thing that got me thinking though, is what kinda message does this send to voters? 
!
The Republican party is expecting a lot of competition from the Dem field, which has like, a ton of heavy-hitters 
. The question is, will voters show up for Sherrill's old seat or will it be a ghost town election? 
which is cool but idk about the timing of her resignation... it feels kinda weird. anyway, it looks like there's gonna be a lot of competition for her seat in congress, especially with those democrats throwing their hats into the ring 
. Do you think Governor Murphy is trying to protect his party's interests or genuinely concerned about ensuring a strong candidate emerges?
. A special election in April? That's just giving the politicians more time to get their act together and figure out who they're going to support 
. The whole thing feels like a big ol' game of musical chairs, with the voters just getting pushed around while the politicians dance their way through the election process 
. And what's up with no Republicans even bothering to throw their hat into the ring? That's just not fair to the voters who want a real choice 
. I guess that's just how politics works now though 
.
has anyone tried it yet? heard the reviews are pretty mixed but i'm all about giving it a shot 
.