MeidasTouch Podcast – "NJ Governor-Elect Mikie Sherrill Discusses Big Election Victory"

Date: November 9, 2025
Host(s): Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas (MeidasTouch Network)
Guest: Mikie Sherrill, Governor-Elect of New Jersey

Overview

This episode centers on the resounding election victory of Mikie Sherrill, New Jersey’s Governor-Elect, focusing on the political dynamics that led to her win and the broader implications for Democratic momentum nationwide. The discussion delves into the rejection of MAGA/Trumpist politics, the main drivers behind Sherrill's success—especially her affordability message, coalition building, and connecting with working families and youth—and what her administration aims to prioritize amidst national challenges. The episode is marked by candid analysis, notable soundbites, and Sherrill's direct responses to both election results and Republican narratives.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. New Jersey’s Election as a Bellwether

• Opening Context: Hosts highlight a "blue tsunami" across the country and especially in New Jersey, noting dramatic shifts in voter sentiment away from MAGA politics.
• Debate Moment Spotlight (00:30–01:39):
  • Jack Cittarelli (Republican) commended Trump with an “A” grade; Sherrill sharply rebuked this, responding with “F” and tying real economic struggles to MAGA policies.

“‘I think that tells us all we need to know about who Jack Cittarelli is supporting. I give them an F.’”
— Mikie Sherrill, Debate Clip (01:19)

2. The “Affordability, Affordability, Affordability” Campaign

• Closing Campaign Message (02:09–02:29):
  • Sherrill focused on everyday costs: “utility costs, housing costs, health care costs,” and connected rising prices directly to Trump-era tariffs and failed local Republican programs.

3. Voter Shifts & GOP Narrative Breakdown

• Voters Turning Away from Trump (02:29–03:45):
  • Hosts read out direct messages from former Trump supporters expressing disappointment and economic frustration.
  • Suburban and Hispanic areas “flipped significantly towards blue,” with sizable shifts even in previous Trump strongholds.

4. Disputing Trump’s Economic Talking Points

• Trump’s Inflation Denial (03:45–03:58):
  • Audio from Trump claiming, “We have almost no inflation... Everybody's doing great,” is played to highlight the disconnect between GOP leaders and lived reality in New Jersey.

5. Mikie Sherrill Interview: Inside the Win & Path Forward

Message to Republican Leaders (04:26–05:33):

• Sherrill calls out GOP's “long con,” stating Trump tries to “make voters think... don’t believe your own lying eyes.”
• Asserts voters are clearly not buying Republican narratives, hoping the result “galvanizes some Republicans... to get off their butts and start delivering.”

“‘The tariff program is a worldwide extortion racket where costs are going up on everyone here, and yet Trump’s pocketing billions.’”
— Mikie Sherrill (04:52)

Building a Broad, Working-Class Coalition (06:18–08:10):

• Sherrill describes her ground campaign as “the traditional Democratic juggernaut and then some,” reaching working people, suburbanites, Black and Latino communities.
• Cites personal connection to a union family and a mission to build opportunity and good government.

“‘I want to create that success for everyone... That’s really important to our working communities...’”
— Mikie Sherrill (07:23)

Young Voter Engagement and Authenticity (08:10–11:43):

• Data showed big reversal of support among young men and Gen Z, who felt “rug-pulled” by Trump promises; unemployment is high, optimism is low.
• Sherrill shares candid anecdote: Young people’s authentic involvement at rallies surprised her, indicating a new level of engagement.

“This felt like a very empowering race where young people are saying, I am fighting for the future that I want to see.”
— Mikie Sherrill (11:30)

Transition and Governing Vision (12:13–14:34):

• Immediate focus: Tackling recession-hit states, rising premiums (citing New Jersey’s “premiums are going up by 175%”), and expanding opportunity through education and jobs.
• Stresses the increased importance of state leadership amidst a hostile federal landscape, especially as “Republicans in Washington...try to enrich themselves at the expense of everyday Americans.”

“What we're running here is the traditional American economy of delivering for working people, delivering on the middle class, on jobs...”
— Mikie Sherrill (13:27)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Republican denial:
  “It’s the long con that Trump is famous for... don’t believe your own lying eyes or something.” (04:26)
• On tariffs:
  “...tariff program is a worldwide extortion racket...” (04:52)
• On coalition-building:
  “We got out working people, … the Black community, … the Latino community… what working people need to see is good government.” (06:45–07:23)
• On youth engagement:
  “This felt like a very empowering race where young people are saying, I am fighting for the future that I want to see.” (11:30)
• On gubernatorial priorities:
  “That is what New Jersey is doubling down on. That’s what the people of New Jersey want to see. And it’s going to be a fight...” (13:10)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Debate & Cittarelli’s Trump Support: 00:30–01:39
• Sherrill’s affordability message: 02:09–02:29
• Former Trump voters’ shift: 02:29–03:45
• Trump economic denial: 03:45–03:58
• Sherrill interview introduction: 03:58
• Sherrill on Republican denial/tariffs: 04:26–05:33
• How the ground game beat the polls: 06:18–08:10
• Young men and Gen Z support: 08:10–11:43
• Transition priorities/governing vision: 12:13–14:34
• Host’s closing appreciation: 14:34–14:57

Summary

This episode paints a vivid picture of political realignment in New Jersey, driven by economic pain and rejection of MAGA bravado. Mikie Sherrill’s win is portrayed as decisive and broad-based, earned through focus on affordability, direct engagement, and building trust in government’s ability to deliver real results. With Republicans mired in denial and facing a revivified Democratic coalition—including young, working-class, suburban, and minority voters—Sherrill sets out her vision for fighting recessionary pressures, protecting jobs, and growing opportunity. The hosts celebrate her win as a template for fighting back, and Sherrill’s frank responses offer both optimism and determination for the fights ahead.