Obama Aide, Former Congressman Among Contenders in Crowded Democratic Primary for Sherrill’s Seat

Nearly a dozen Democrats vie for Sherrill’s House seat as she prepares to become New Jersey governor

As Democratic Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill prepares to resign her seat in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District, a crowded field of contenders has emerged to replace her, setting the stage for what promises to be a competitive special election in early 2026.

Sherrill, who won the New Jersey governorship on Election Day as part of a broader Democratic sweep across blue states, has announced her intention to submit her resignation next week. “Thank you, New Jersey,” Sherrill wrote in a social media post on November 12. “Next week, I intend to submit my resignation in order to serve as your 57th governor.”

Her departure will trigger a special election for which eleven Democratic candidates have already expressed interest. The field spans the ideological spectrum, from moderate establishment figures to progressive candidates positioning themselves as fighters against the incoming Trump administration.

Among the leading contenders is former Obama administration staffer Cammie Croft, who has been vocal about the need for swift action. “In these extraordinary times, New Jersey’s 11th District deserves representation in Washington — not weeks or months of uncertainty,” Croft said in a recent statement, urging Governor Phil Murphy to set a date for the special election.

Financial disclosures reveal Croft had approximately $176,000 cash-on-hand as of September 30, according to Federal Election Commission filings.

Morris Township Mayor Jeff Grayzel has positioned himself as a serious contender with over $310,000 cash-on-hand. “I am 100% in the race,” Grayzel told the New Jersey Globe. “My full intention is to run for the seat should Mikie win the election, as many believe she will. The timeline for a special election in early 2026 is already very short, and planning for this kind of race takes time.”

Perhaps the most high-profile candidate is former Representative Tom Malinowski, who previously represented New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District before losing his seat following redistricting that incorporated parts of the 11th District. Though Malinowski doesn’t currently reside in the 11th District, he has pledged to move there if elected.

Malinowski has secured a key endorsement from Senator Andy Kim, who cited their long-standing relationship dating back to the Obama administration. “Politics right now needs courage. People able to stand against the pressures of politics and special interests. @Malinowski has shown that in his actions,” Kim wrote in his endorsement.

In a campaign video, Malinowski appeared to court Sherrill’s support, stating: “I’m running for Congress again to pick up where my friend Mikie Sherrill left off.” Sherrill’s office has not commented on whether she plans to endorse any candidate in the race.

Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill enters the race with significant institutional support, having secured endorsements from over 60 Democrats in Essex County. As the former campaign manager for Governor Murphy, Gill also carries the governor’s endorsement. In his campaign announcement, Gill struck a combative tone against the incoming Trump administration.

“I’m running for Congress because our president, enabled by bootlickers in Congress and Wall Street, is wreaking havoc on our streets, hollowing out our economy, tearing down our American values,” Gill said in a campaign video.

Other notable candidates include John Bartlett, a Passaic County commissioner with approximately $200,000 remaining from his unsuccessful 2018 House run, and Democratic candidates Anna Lee Williams, Justin Strickland, and Marc Chaaban. Only one Republican, Randolph Township Mayor Joe Hathaway, appears in the FEC filings for the race.

The district has been a Democratic stronghold, with Sherrill winning re-election in 2024 with 56.34% of the vote. The Cook Political Report currently designates New Jersey’s 11th as “Solid D,” suggesting Democrats are heavily favored to retain the seat.

As Sherrill prepares to take the governor’s mansion, she offered a parting message to her House colleagues: “Do not become a rubber stamp for an agenda to take food and healthcare away from kids. To the country: Stand strong. Don’t give up the ship.”

No official date has been set for the special election primary, but candidates are already positioning themselves for what will likely be a sprint to secure the Democratic nomination in this safely blue district.