Newark, NJ – Former President Barack Obama has officially endorsed Rep. Mikie Sherrill in her bid for governor, calling her a leader with “integrity, grit, and commitment to service” as New Jersey’s election season heats up.
Obama, who made his presidency all about hope and change for America, is endorsing the one candidate in the race who is promising to keep things basically the same for New Jersey as they were under eight years of Governor Phil Murphy.
In a video message released Friday, Obama urged voters to back Sherrill, highlighting her background as a former Navy helicopter pilot and federal prosecutor which has been the hallmark of her candidacy.
Obama appeared to be reading a pre-written endorsement from a teleprompter during the video.
He praised her focus on reducing costs for working families and keeping communities safe, saying she “has the experience and plans to drive down costs — and the integrity and determination to deliver for every community in New Jersey.
Sherrill, who represents the state’s 11th Congressional District, is positioning herself as a pragmatic problem-solver focused on affordability and government accountability. Her campaign platform emphasizes lowering property taxes, investing in infrastructure, and expanding job opportunities across the state.
However, she has been criticized for several scandals including her accumulation of millions of dollars on the stock market since taking office and her involvement in the U.S. Naval Academy cheating scandal.
Her biggest scandal of course, came about when she said, “Pork roll is gross” during an interview, enraging New Jerseyans on both sides of the Taylor Ham and Pork Roll ailes.
The Virginia native is still taking heat for her off-color insult.
Obama’s influence on the campaign
Obama’s endorsement adds national weight to Sherrill’s campaign and could mobilize Democratic voters in a closely watched race. The former president remains one of the most popular figures in the party, and his backing often translates into fundraising boosts and volunteer enthusiasm.
The video, shared on social media platforms and the campaign’s website, frames Sherrill as a continuation of Obama’s leadership values — emphasizing service, integrity, and practical solutions over partisan division.
Following the endorsement, Sherrill thanked Obama and reiterated her commitment to tackling high costs and improving public safety across the state. “I’m running to make New Jersey more affordable and to make government work better for everyone,” she said in a statement.
Her campaign has focused heavily on outreach, encouraging residents to “make a plan to vote” before Election Day on November 4.