Biography
Representative Mikie Sherrill, a Democrat, has served New Jersey's 11th Congressional District since 2019. Born on January 19, 1972, in Alexandria, Virginia, she was inspired by her grandfather, a World War II pilot, to pursue a career in aviation. After graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 1994, Sherrill served nearly a decade as a U.S. Navy helicopter pilot, flying missions throughout Europe and the Middle East. She also worked as a Russian policy officer, focusing on nuclear treaty obligations and U.S.-Russia naval relations.
Following her military service, Sherrill earned a law degree from Georgetown University and joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Jersey. As an Assistant U.S. Attorney, she prosecuted federal cases and developed programs to build trust between law enforcement and communities.
In 2018, Sherrill was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, flipping a long-held Republican seat. She has been re-elected in subsequent terms and is known for her bipartisan approach, authoring over 20 pieces of legislation addressing issues such as tax relief, healthcare, national security, and veterans' support. Notably, her PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act, which facilitates access to therapy service dogs for veterans with PTSD, was signed into law.
In November 2024, Sherrill announced her candidacy for Governor of New Jersey, aiming to address the state's economic challenges and improve affordability.
Education
-
Bachelor of Science: United States Naval Academy, 1994
-
Master of Science in Global History: London School of Economics and Political Science
-
Juris Doctor: Georgetown University Law Center
Political Experience
-
U.S. Representative for New Jersey's 11th Congressional District: 2019–present
- Member of the House Armed Services Committee
- Member of the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party
- Former member of the House Committee on Education and Labor
-
Candidate for Governor of New Jersey: Announced November 2024
Sherrill resides in Montclair, New Jersey, with her husband, Jason, a fellow Naval Academy graduate, and their four children.
