Trenton, NJ — A progressive organization that ultimately supported New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s election campaign is now publicly calling for her resignation, escalating tensions within the Democratic coalition following controversy surrounding protests and enforcement actions connected to Delaney Hall.
Progressive Victory, a left-leaning political organization, posted a statement on social media demanding Sherrill step down, arguing that the governor has failed to support activists protesting conditions and policies associated with the Delaney Hall detention facility in Newark.
The criticism is a strange twist, because the group said it backed a different candidate during the Democratic primary but later worked to help Sherrill after she secured the nomination.
Former Supporters Turn Into Critics
In its statement, Progressive Victory said it endorsed Sherrill after the primary despite disagreements with her campaign.
The group claimed it organized volunteers for phone banking and canvassing efforts but alleged that Sherrill’s campaign was reluctant to work with its activists.
“We not only endorsed her, but we had dozens of volunteers phonebank and canvass for her too,” the organization wrote.
The post further accused the governor of siding against protesters rather than supporting them during the ongoing dispute involving Delaney Hall.
Progressive Victory wrote that Sherrill “refuses to fight Republican concentration camps and instead is electing to fight the protesters who supported her.”
The organization did not provide specific examples in the statement to support those allegations.
Key Points
• Progressive Victory publicly called for Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s resignation.
• The group says it supported Sherrill after backing another candidate in the primary.
• The criticism centers on Sherrill’s handling of issues related to Delaney Hall and related protests.
Delaney Hall Remains a Flashpoint
Delaney Hall has become a focal point in New Jersey’s debate over immigration detention and federal enforcement policies.
The facility has drawn protests from immigration advocates, progressive activists, and elected officials who oppose expanded detention operations. Supporters of the facility and federal immigration enforcement efforts argue that detention centers play a role in carrying out immigration laws and public safety objectives.
The dispute has exposed divisions among Democrats over how aggressively state leaders should challenge federal immigration policies and detention operations.
For progressive activists, the issue has become a test of whether Democratic officials are willing to directly confront federal enforcement actions. For more moderate Democrats, balancing opposition to federal policies with the realities of state governance has proven politically complicated.
Growing Intra-Party Frustration
The resignation demand reflects broader frustration among some progressive activists who argue that Democratic elected officials campaign on promises of accountability but govern more cautiously once in office.
In its statement, Progressive Victory warned fellow Democrats against directing criticism toward the organization itself.
“Don’t get mad at us, get mad at @GovSherrillNJ and every other worthless Democrat who treats their constituents like dirt,” the group wrote.
The post quickly drew attention online because it came from an organization that had previously mobilized volunteers to help Democratic candidates, including Sherrill after the primary contest concluded.