The Breakfast Club: Interview with Mikie Sherrill on Governor Run, Black Maternal Health, and More

Release Date: May 21, 2025

In this compelling episode of The Breakfast Club, hosted by DJ Envy and Charlamagne Tha God, U.S. Representative Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey’s 11th congressional district joins the conversation to discuss her candidacy for Governor of New Jersey. The dialogue delves into critical issues such as infrastructure challenges, black maternal health, generational wealth, and Mikie’s vision for a better New Jersey. Below is a detailed summary of the key points and insights shared during the interview.

1. Infrastructure and Transportation Challenges

NJ Transit Strike Resolution Mikie Sherrill begins by addressing the recent resolution of the NJ Transit strike, highlighting the impact on commuters and the state’s transportation system.

• DJ Envy (01:15): “New Jersey Transit this morning, finally it looks like people can go back to work. The strike is over.”
• Mikie Sherrill (01:22): “The traffic this morning was horrible. So maybe people weren't quite ready to go back to their normal transit option.”

Newark Airport and Air Traffic Control Issues The conversation shifts to the persistent problems at Newark Airport and the broader implications for New Jersey’s transportation infrastructure.

• Charlamagne Tha God (02:24): “You were criticizing the lack of urgency in regards to Newark Airport. That's what I don't understand. Like, what, are we just waiting for something bad to happen?”
• Mikie Sherrill (03:49): “The Secretary of Transportation just doesn't seem to be moving on this. … It’s just the constant incompetence from this administration that just not doing the basic work of government is what, as much as anything, is just putting everybody at risk.”

Proposed Solutions by Mikie Sherrill Mikie outlines her proactive measures to address these infrastructure woes if elected governor.

• Mikie Sherrill (06:20): “What I would do is immediately get up a program so we could start to train people, send them to that fast track them through the air traffic control school… declare State of Emergency and get that done quickly.”

2. Women in Military and Leadership

Mikie Sherrill’s Naval Academy Experience Mikie shares her journey through the Naval Academy, emphasizing the challenges women face in military leadership.

• Mikie Sherrill (07:57): “I wanted to fly from the time I was in elementary school. … Women in the military were sort of like a second class citizenry because they weren't able to go into combat.”

Criticism of Current Administration’s Stance She critiques the current administration’s policies affecting women and people of color in the military.

• Mikie Sherrill (11:51): “They’re attacking the service of women, attacking the service of people of color. … It’s really disgusting, and it's heartbreaking.”

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s Statements Addressing recent comments by the Secretary of Defense, Mikie vehemently opposes his views on women in combat roles.

• Mikie Sherrill (12:05): “He’s the most incompetent Secretary of Defense this nation has ever seen. … He has no accountability for himself or others.”

3. Campaign for Governor

Motivation to Run for Governor Mikie explains her drive to transition from Congress to the governorship, focusing on impactful state-level governance.

• Mikie Sherrill (13:27): “Having that lifetime of service… serving people is what I love to do and I care deeply about.”
• Mikie Sherrill (13:53): “We need strong Democratic leadership in the state houses… competent Democratic governance.”

Differentiation from Opponents She distinguishes herself from other candidates by emphasizing her unique background and commitment to proactive leadership.

• Mikie Sherrill (47:19): “I come from a different type of place. I come from a proactive place in the military. I’ve got four kids. … Fighting for my kids, fighting for everyone’s kids is incredibly important.”

4. Policies for Black and Brown Communities

Housing and Generational Wealth Mikie underscores the importance of affordable housing in building generational wealth within black and brown communities.

• Mikie Sherrill (21:06): “Housing is critical to building generational wealth. … 70% of white families own their own home and under 40% of black families.”

Black Maternal Health She addresses the pressing issue of black maternal health, advocating for resources and support systems.

• Mikie Sherrill (27:18): “Putting in resources and communities that need care like Trent is really important. … Having doulas and midwives in the healthcare system is essential.”

Affordable Housing Policies Mikie details initiatives to make housing more affordable and accessible.

• Mikie Sherrill (34:32): “The first time homeowner program is so important that we beef up so we can afford at least the down payment… fully fund the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.”

5. Response to Attack Ads

Accusations of Stock Trading Misconduct The hosts press Mikie on recent attack ads alleging misconduct in stock trading.

• Charlamagne Tha God (41:34): “An ad said you took $30,000 from Elon Musk's campaign fund and made millions on the stock market… What do you say to that?”
• Mikie Sherrill (41:55): “I've never taken money from Elon Musk… We don’t trade individual stocks… We are out of all individual stocks because I want people to know that I’m not somehow gaining information and enriching myself because of my work in Congress.”

Transparency and Accountability Mikie emphasizes her commitment to transparency and ethical conduct in public service.

• Mikie Sherrill (43:35): “I’ve been one of the most transparent members because everything has been reported… I self-reported and paid a fine for any discrepancies.”

6. Congestion Pricing and Economic Policies

Impact on New Jersey Mikie critiques New York’s congestion pricing, highlighting its adverse effects on New Jersey residents.

• Mikie Sherrill (36:12): “It’s just taking money out of New Jerseyans’ pockets and putting it into New York infrastructure like the MTA.”
• Charlamagne Tha God (37:32): “It's a cash grab.”

Proposed Alternatives She suggests enhancing New Jersey’s transit infrastructure as a more effective solution.

• Mikie Sherrill (36:27): “If we could run buses and trains more often, if they were more reliable, then people would take them more and you could get people out of cars.”

7. Economic Development and Job Creation

Bringing Businesses to Newark Mikie discusses the arrival of major companies like Lionsgate and Netflix to Newark, emphasizing job creation and community benefits.

• Mikie Sherrill (37:47): “They provide a bunch of great jobs… ensuring that the people in the towns serving these businesses get access to those jobs.”
• Mikie Sherrill (41:34): “We need to develop workforce training programs to prepare locals for these new opportunities.”

Workforce Training and Education Initiatives She highlights the importance of education and training programs to support economic growth.

• Mikie Sherrill (40:XX): “Working directly with companies to develop training programs that equip residents with the necessary skills for these jobs.”

8. Vision for a Better New Jersey

Opportunity and Generational Wealth Mikie articulates her vision for creating opportunities and fostering generational wealth across the state.

• Mikie Sherrill (44:00): “Democracy means opportunity… creating pathways for people to succeed and build wealth for future generations.”
• Mikie Sherrill (47:18): “Creating opportunity for not just the individual, but for their children… that’s what democracy at its best offers.”

Combatting Federal Inefficiency She stresses the need for strong state governance to counteract federal government shortcomings.

• Mikie Sherrill (51:11): “Fighting for my kids, fighting for everyone’s kids is incredibly important… creating a society that provides everyone the best chance at opportunity.”

9. Closing Remarks

Mikie concludes the interview by reaffirming her commitment to her campaign and her readiness to lead New Jersey towards a brighter future.

• DJ Envy (53:25): “We appreciate you for joining us this morning.”
• Mikie Sherrill (53:47): “If I become governor, I will be back on your show if invited.”

Notable Quotes

• Mikie Sherrill (04:01): “What the hell? I totally agree with you. And if that's gonna take a minute, what are we gonna do in the meantime?”
• Mikie Sherrill (13:53): “...serving people is what I love to do and I care deeply about.”
• Mikie Sherrill (21:06): “Housing is critical to building generational wealth.”
• Mikie Sherrill (41:34): “We need to create a society that provides everyone the best chance at opportunity.”

Conclusion

Mikie Sherrill’s interview on The Breakfast Club offers an insightful look into her candidacy for Governor of New Jersey. She presents a robust agenda addressing pressing infrastructure issues, advocating for black maternal health, and promoting generational wealth through affordable housing. Her emphasis on transparency, ethical governance, and creating opportunities for all New Jerseyans positions her as a formidable candidate committed to transformative change.

For those interested in Mikie Sherrill’s vision for New Jersey, this episode provides a comprehensive understanding of her policies and the passion driving her campaign.

Listen to the full episode on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you enjoy your favorite shows.