TRENTON, N.J. — A nickname coined by a conservative social media user has drawn a bizarre digital response from Rep. Mikie Sherrill’s campaign, or followers, escalating tensions in New Jersey’s gubernatorial race.
Sherrill is now running for governor in New Jersey.
The term “Vanilla Harris,” used by the account @Oldglorycries to mock Sherrill, was posted earlier this week and quickly picked up by right-wing users, including @AWokeZombie. The Sherrill campaign responded by purchasing the domain vanillaharris.com, which now hosts a direct rebuttal accusing critics of deflection and misinformation.
The name appears to be a cross-reference to Sherrill being a watered-down version of former Democratic candidate for President, Kamala Harris, with a side order of mocking former President Joe Biden’s love of vanilla ice cream, perhaps.
“Right-wing operatives would rather invent childish nicknames and spread misinformation than talk honestly about policy,” the campaign website reads.
The message continues with criticism of political opponents for “threatening budget cuts and school closures after pursuing frivolous lawsuits through crony law firms,” while positioning Sherrill’s Affordability Agenda as a contrast.
The website promotes her policy platform focused on clean energy investment, universal pre-K, and tax relief for working families. It does not address the origin of the nickname directly.
The domain move drew ridicule from the nickname’s creator, who reposted the site alongside emojis and taunts. “Vanilla Harri”s was coined by @oldglorycries,” the user wrote.
Sherrill, a Democrat and former Navy helicopter pilot, announced her campaign for governor earlier this year. She has not made a personal statement about the nickname or the website.
The web address remains active as of Sunday and continues to display a message countering the online mockery.
