Toms River, NJ – Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill continues to face intense criticisim from opponents and conservative groups over her past vote against a federal parental rights bill and recent statements regarding LGBTQ and gender studies in New Jersey public schools.
As the election is just days away, Sherrill continues prioritizing progressive curricula over parental choice, while supporters argue her positions promote inclusivity and understanding in education.
The debate has become a flashpoint in the 2025 New Jersey governor’s race, with Republican challenger Jack Ciattarelli leveraging the issue in attack ads.Sherrill, a U.S. Representative from New Jersey’s 11th District and a former Navy helicopter pilot, voted against H.R. 5, known as the Parents Bill of Rights Act, during its passage in the House in March 2023.
The bill, which aimed to enhance parental involvement in public schools by requiring notifications about curriculum changes, library materials, and student safety incidents, passed the Republican-controlled House but stalled in the Senate.
The bill also aimed to shield children from LGBTQ indoctrination in public schools and to alert parents if their child wished to change their name and gender identification in school.
Sherrill joined most Democrats in opposing the measure, which proponents described as a safeguard for parental rights but critics labeled as a veiled attack on inclusive education policies.
The vote has resurfaced amid Sherrill’s campaign for governor, where she has emphasized education reform.
In a video clip widely circulated by opponents, Sherrill stated, “I would push an LGBTQ education into our schools,” adding that parents should not be able to opt their children out, as it fosters “understanding the background of people throughout our nation.”
The remarks, originally from a discussion on school curricula, have been amplified on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), where users and conservative influencers have labeled them as evidence of an intent to “force” gender and LGBTQ studies on young students without parental consent.
Jack Ciattarelli’s campaign has seized on the comments, releasing digital ads accusing Sherrill of undermining parental authority.
One ad claims Sherrill wants to mandate LGBTQ education in K-12 schools with no opt-out option, framing it as part of a broader “indoctrination” agenda.
“Mikie Sherrill says parents can opt out of health class, but not out of her state-mandated LGBTQ curriculum,” said Steve Cortes, president of the League of American Workers, in a statement echoing the ad’s messaging.
Social media posts from accounts like Libs of TikTok have garnered hundreds of thousands of views, warning New Jersey voters that Sherrill aims to “groom” children through mandatory lessons. However, Sherrill’s allies and LGBTQ advocacy groups have pushed back, accusing Ciattarelli of distorting her words to stoke anti-gay sentiment.
Garden State Equality, New Jersey’s largest LGBTQ advocacy organization, condemned Ciattarelli’s rhetoric as a “rollback agenda” and praised Sherrill’s pro-LGBTQ record, including her support for marriage equality and non-discrimination protections.
Parents, on the other hand disagree, saying that Sherrill’s comments are clear. She will push more LGBTQ curriculum into the classroom if elected.
Opponents, including homeschooling advocates, fear expanded mandates could extend to private and home education settings under a Sherrill governorship.
Polling shows education as a top issue for New Jersey voters, with parental rights resonating strongly in suburban districts.
As the November election approaches, both campaigns are ramping up efforts to define the narrative as her opponent, Jack Ciattarelli continues to push for home rule control of public education, meaning local parents and school boards in each community can democratically decide on controversial state mandated studies at the local level.
