You figure Mikie Sherrill knows something about CD-11, a place where she was elected four times.

Speaking Wednesday night on the eve of the district's special election to fill her old House seat, Sherrill said she sees the electorate "really upset" at what Donald Trump is doing.

The governor supported that position by referencing last month's huge No Kings rallies and a good turnout in the special February primary.

"I think we're going to see really good results," she said.

That means she thinks Democrat Analilia Mejia, who the governor has endorsed, is going to have no trouble winning.

The governor spoke on her inaugural Ask the Governor show on radio station WNYC.

Regarding Trump, who periodically stays at his golf club in Bedminster, Sherrill was asked how often they speak.

"Not often." she said.

"Look, I will work with anyone to get things done for the people of New Jersey," she added.

But so far, "It's been a lot of standing up to the president,"

She mentioned fighting him in court over Gateway project funding and access to the state's voter rolls.

Sherrill hasn't been in office 100 days, but she may have ruffled some feathers in the Legislature by opposing so-called Christmas Tree items. These are grants to towns and organizations generally put into the state budget at the last minute.

Some Democratic lawmakers have pushed back, contending these monetary awards are essential.

The governor did not necessarily disagree with that, but she said the problem is "the process."

By that she meant these grants should be discussed and justified, not merely inserted into the budget.

"There has to be some accountability," she said.

We will see how all this plays out when the 2026-27 budget is adopted by June 30.

She made no apology for her views, saying, "I was elected to take on the status quo."

The first question aimed at Sherrill was about a very old issue. Why are property taxes so high and what can be done about it?  So asked Steven.
"I hear this again and again," the governor said.

That's not a surprise

Property taxes are probably the main reason for New Jersey's reputation as a high tax state. This is a hard issue for any governor because property taxes are set and collected by local governments, meaning town councils and school boards, not the state.

Sherrill did say that her proposed budget increases state aid to local school districts, but she admitted many districts are struggling.

She said one answer is consolidating services - like busing - and programs.
This sounds good - and it is good - but consolidations in a home rule state are hard to pull off.

The governor was also asked about helicopters.

No, this was not a sarcastic question from someone ridiculing the governor's penchant of talking about her military service.

Nick from Jersey City said helicopters are constantly flying very low over his house.

Sherrill said she would have her transportation department investigate.

And notwithstanding her affection for helicopters, the governor said she would not want them flying low over her house.