Whitmer, Moore, & President Obama Rally Behind Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey
- Marvina T.
- Oct 20
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 20
Top Democratic leaders join Rep. Mikie Sherrill to energize New Jersey voters ahead of Election Day.
Protecting Progress: Democrats Unite Behind Mikie Sherrill's New Jersey Vision
This past weekend, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) drew major Democratic firepower as Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Maryland Governor Wes Moore joined her on the campaign trail in New Jersey. Their visit underscored national Democratic unity and the urgency of mobilizing voters before November’s critical elections. For New Jersey Democrats, the rally was more than political; it was a call to defend fairness, opportunity, and progress across the Garden State.
Key Takeaways
Governors Gretchen Whitmer & Wes Moore joined Rep. Mikie Sherrill in rallies across Essex and Passaic Counties.
The events spotlighted Democratic priorities: reproductive rights, union protections, and affordable living.
Party leaders framed New Jersey’s elections as vital to sustaining national Democratic momentum in 2025.
Local union leaders and volunteers emphasized grassroots power and voter engagement.
President Barack Obama endorsed Rep. Mikie Sherrill.
The message: protecting progress means showing up to vote.
Democrats Ignite Grassroots Power in New Jersey
At a vibrant rally in Essex County, Governor Gretchen Whitmer stood side-by-side with Mikie Sherrill and fired up the crowd with her trademark energy:
"I may not be from here, but let me tell you, New Jerseyans are a lot like Michiganders. We work hard, we’re tough, we want the best for each other. You’re loud, you’re proud, and you don’t eff around. … This is a clear choice: We got a guy who’s going to get bossed around by D.C., versus a woman who can get sh*t done."- New Jersey Monitor
Governor Wes Moore of Maryland joined Sherrill at a Newark rally the next day, highlighting unity among Democratic governors:
“Governors can show that there is a better way to provide the support for the people of our communities.” New Jersey Globe
Chairman LeRoy J. Jones, Jr. of Essex County Democratic Committee, Inc. & NJ Democratic State Committee, highlighted the importance of choosing a governor who understands the needs of the people.
Union Power and Local Voices
Sherrill turned her focus to working families and labor rights, speaking directly to hundreds of union members:
“I know you fight hard for your rights, but you also fight for every single family in New Jersey. When you lift workers up, all workers get lifted up. That is the importance of the fight we are taking on right now. Union rights are on the ballot. The fight for PLAs is on the ballot. The fight for collective bargaining is on the ballot. The fight for your wages is on the ballot. The fight for your families is on the ballot in New Jersey.” New Jersey Insider
“From advocating for livable wages and safe working conditions to pushing for economic justice, she has stood with workers. … We know that Mikie will confront all these challenges and place the needs of working people first.”
Donna DeCaprio, president of UNITE HERE Local 54, echoed that sentiment in her endorsement:
“From advocating for livable wages and safe working conditions to pushing for economic justice, she has stood with workers. … We know that Mikie will confront all these challenges and place the needs of working people first.” New Jersey Globe.
A Unified Democratic Front
Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill emphasized New Jersey's central role in the national Democratic movement:
“New Jersey is not a red state. It is not a purple state. It is a blue state.” NJ Insider
Her campaign’s message centered on defending democracy and economic fairness. According to voter data from the New Jersey Division of Elections, turnout in key counties like Morris and Essex could determine the outcome in multiple competitive districts. Grassroots organizers launched canvassing drives and encouraged voters to return their vote-by-mail ballots during the rally to ensure every vote is counted.
Republicans have framed the race as a referendum on national Democratic policies, using social media and ad campaigns to spread misinformation about the values and message from the Democratic party, yet Mikie Sherrill has countered that the real issue facing New Jersey is protecting progress from reproductive rights, and clean-energy investments to infrastructure and affordability for every family in New Jersey.
Get Out the Vote
As early voting begins on October 25 through November 2nd, one message rings loud and clear from the rally trail: EVERY VOTE COUNTS!
National leaders standing with Mikie, including President Barack Obama, remind us that defending progress starts locally and that New Jersey's voice carries national weight.
Use Your Voice
Stay informed and get involved! Find your polling location or register for a vote-by-mail ballot today at Vote NJ, or visit Essex County Dems to stay up to date with the latest election resources.
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