American Fever Dream: NJ Governor Race EXCLUSIVE with Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill

Released on June 5, 2025 by Betches Media

Introduction

In this exclusive episode of American Fever Dream, host Sami Sage sits down with Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, a standout candidate in the Democratic primary for New Jersey Governor. As the race heats up ahead of the June 10th primary, Sherrill shares her insights on the current political landscape, internal challenges within the Democratic Party, and her vision for New Jersey's future.

Campaign Overview and Final Push

Sami Sage kicks off the conversation by inquiring about Sherrill's campaign as it approaches the final stretch.

• Mikie Sherrill [01:40]:
  "We are in the final stretch here, so eight days until June 10th, the primary election, early in person. Voting starts tomorrow, June 3rd and lasts until the 8th. So this is all ongoing. We have a lot of people that vote by mail, so I think about a quarter of the votes already in and it's been great."

Sherrill emphasizes the intensive campaign efforts across the state, noting the significant engagement from voters both early in person and by mail.

Engagement and Public Presence

During the campaign trail, Sherrill balances high-energy events with community outreach, humorously addressing the aftermath of her attendance at a pride parade.

• Mikie Sherrill [02:14]:
  "I really appreciate it."

• Sammy Sage [02:23]:
  "Honestly, I think it's probably brightening up people's day. So I wouldn't, I wouldn't worry too much about it."

Sherrill's lighthearted exchange showcases her relatable persona and commitment to connecting with diverse communities.

Challenges Within the Democratic Party

The discussion shifts to Sherrill's experiences in Congress and the structural challenges she encountered, particularly the entrenched seniority system.

• Sami Sage [02:33]:
  "You were recently featured in a Time magazine article discussing the Democrats reboot. ... when you got to Congress, you were pretty shocked at how the seniority system ... dominated."

• Mikie Sherrill [03:09]:
  "The Democratic Party had been in the minority in the House for almost a decade. ... we built this juggernaut of a campaign in a district that was considered unwinnable... It was my first time."

Sherrill reflects on the shift in the Democratic Party dynamics post the 2018 blue wave, highlighting the disconnect between new, grassroots members and the established hierarchy within Congress.

Resistance to Change and the Need for Innovation

Sage probes deeper into the reluctance of established politicians to adopt new strategies, comparing it to failing industries clinging to outdated practices.

• Sami Sage [05:24]:
  "Maybe you can help me come up with a more elegant way to say this... the approval rating for Congress ... is what, in the 20%? So tell me, what are you all doing right and why we can't change something about it..."

• Mikie Sherrill [07:21]:
  "You know, I think sometimes when you see dying industries... they just really don't want it to change... We are just constantly trained in crisis... the idea that we would be in a crisis in this country and instead of somehow changing how we're operating, that's not working... it makes my head explode then and it makes my head explode now."

Sherrill articulates frustration with the stagnation within Congress, arguing that a failure to adapt is detrimental to addressing the nation's crises effectively.

Solutions-Oriented Leadership and Future Vision

The conversation pivots to Sherrill's advocacy for a new generation of leaders focused on pragmatic solutions rather than political maneuvering.

• Mikie Sherrill [09:22]:
  "There is a new generation of leaders. There are people who are very solutions oriented... who know that the crisis is now... that's what I'm committed to doing."

She emphasizes the importance of governors and state-level leadership as pivotal fronts for enacting meaningful change, contrasting it with the gridlock observed in federal institutions.

Top Priorities as Governor of New Jersey

Sherrill outlines her three primary focus areas should she be elected governor, addressing urgent issues affecting New Jersey residents.

1. Affordable Housing

   • Mikie Sherrill [14:40]:
     "The number one thing is building more houses. ... a woman told me she had to go back to work because she couldn't afford her long term apartment building after she retired."

2. Utility Costs and Clean Energy

   • Mikie Sherrill [16:41]:
     "We have a grid operator that has really mismanaged our grid and not put new clean power into the grid. So utility prices are set to go up by 20%. As governor, I'm going to drive in new clean power and drive down costs in the utility grid."

3. Healthcare Affordability

   • Mikie Sherrill [15:30]:
     "We've seen costs go up year after year... the healthcare system is really at a breaking point... Republicans push this bill through, that passed through the House to cut Medicaid by $700 billion and Medicare by 500 billion over the next 10 years."

Sherrill's priorities reflect a commitment to tackling some of the most pressing economic and social issues facing New Jersey, with a focus on sustainable and equitable solutions.

Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

As the interview concludes, Sherrill reaffirms her dedication to public service and urges voters to support her vision for New Jersey.

• Mikie Sherrill [17:20]:
  "I've been committed to doing that since I first ran in 2018. ... That's really what you're seeing in the states."

• Sammy Sage [17:26]:
  "Be sure to vote in the New Jersey primary June 10th."

Conclusion

In this insightful episode of American Fever Dream, Mikie Sherrill provides a candid look into her campaign for New Jersey Governor, dissecting the internal hurdles within the Democratic Party and laying out a clear, actionable agenda to address housing, utility costs, and healthcare. Her emphasis on innovative, solutions-driven leadership positions her as a formidable candidate poised to bring meaningful change to New Jersey.

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