New Jersey Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill joined “Face the Nation” to discuss her election win and the state’s future amid the record-breaking government shutdown. Sherrill, who campaigned on affordability and urgent action, criticized President Trump and Congressional Republicans for prolonging the shutdown and for their stance on health care subsidies, energy prices, and food aid.
Shutdown’s Impact on New Jersey and the Nation
Sherrill emphasized that the ongoing shutdown is severely harming New Jersey’s economy, leading to higher costs, layoffs, delayed food assistance, and disruptions in air travel. She noted flight reductions at Newark and a 175% cost increase in health care if subsidies are not addressed, with SNAP payments being slow-walked by the Trump administration despite court orders. Sherrill called for Republicans to “get serious about opening up government,” saying the crisis is “punishing the American people” and disproportionately hurting working families and veterans.
Plans for Statewide Affordability and Energy Relief
Upon taking office, Sherrill pledged to declare a state of emergency to freeze energy rate hikes and rapidly expand renewable energy, battery storage, and modernize natural gas facilities. She said every local energy project will “defray the cost” for New Jersey families and insisted she will “cut through red tape” to expedite savings and modernization.
Beyond economic urgency, Sherrill addressed public safety concerns for political candidates, expressing how security remains a top challenge—especially for women in politics—but affirmed that mothers and civic-minded women are running for office for their children’s future.
Governing for the People
Sherrill dismissed criticisms that Democrats are using shutdown votes as leverage, arguing that their stance is about “serving the American people.” She repeated her promise to hold officials accountable, fight rising costs imposed by tariffs and federal bills, and ensure that the government focuses on practical relief rather than politics. “I’m not writing a strongly worded letter. I’m not doing a 10-year plan. I’m on day one declaring a state of emergency,” Sherrill concluded.