In 2025, only two states—New Jersey and Virginia—will elect new Governors. These races will be watched closely across the country, not only as early indicators of voter sentiment under a newly reinstated Trump presidency, but also as a reflection of whether our states will continue to stand up for the rights of women and marginalized communities. In Virginia, both parties have nominated women, all but guaranteeing that the next Governor will be a woman. New Jersey has the chance to do the same—and we must.

The policies enacted by the federal government in recent months have been a direct assault on women’s rights. From sweeping executive orders to targeted rollbacks of reproductive protections, the progress women have fought for over the last century is under threat. Organizations like the National Organization for Women (NOW) have catalogued these actions—each one a reminder of how vital it is to have Governors who will resist, not enable, these policies. 

The data is clear: women govern differently. As the New York Times has noted, women in executive roles are often more collaborative and effective. They prioritize policies that support children, families, and social welfare—and they deliver. As we look to protect and expand the progress New Jersey has made, especially for our most vulnerable communities, we need leadership grounded in both strength and empathy.

Mikie Sherrill is exactly that leader. Since her first election to Congress, she has been the top vote-getter in our House delegation in 2018, 2022, and 2024. In 2024, she outperformed both Vice President Kamala Harris and Senate candidate Andy Kim—who were above her on the ballot—in each of the three counties in her district. That’s not just impressive; it’s electability in action.

Compare that to some of her opponents. Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop underperformed Governor Phil Murphy by over 4,000 votes in 2017—and that gap grew to more than 8,000 in 2021. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka faces a deepening turnout crisis: voter participation in Newark municipal elections has plummeted by 64% under his watch, with turnout hitting just 11% in 2022. The numbers speak for themselves—Mikie Sherrill has the strongest record of building coalitions and turning out voters across party lines. Nominating a candidate that does not have a track record of turning out voters, or simply ever beating a Republican, is a gamble we should not take. If we’re going to protect women’s rights, we cannot afford to elect a governor who will be nothing more than a rubber stamp for Trump, we need to nominate a candidate with the proven ability to beat GOP opponents. 

Yet, like so many women candidates before her, Sherrill faces a double standard. Sharing her background with voters as a Navy pilot—an impressive credential by any measure—is dismissed as repetitive. Online critics call her self-serving for seeking higher office, while male candidates are usually praised for the same ambition. No one is telling Ras Baraka or Steve Fulop to “stay put.” The question of women’s “electability” is raised—but voters in New Jersey have already answered it. They chose Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris. They have consistently elected Sherrill by double digits. 

As of now, only 12 of the 50 states have women governors. Virginia’s election will bring that number to 13. New Jersey can make it 14. Electing Mikie Sherrill isn’t just a step toward gender parity—it’s a vote for competence, courage, and a vision that includes all of us. 

It’s time.

Anjali Mehrotra is a fierce advocate for representation and gender parity, particularly in political leadership. She serves on the National Board of the National Organization for Women (NOW) and on the Cabinet of Emerge New Jersey—two organizations dedicated to advancing women's rights and electing more women to public office.