New Jersey Rep. Mikie Sherrill’s Governor Campaign Involves Missed Votes
This year, New Jersey Representative Mikie Sherrill has been focused on her gubernatorial campaign, yet she’s missed several significant votes. These include votes on critical issues like reducing energy costs, condemning anti-Semitism, defunding the government, and tackling the fentanyl crisis.
Since she began campaigning shortly after her re-election to the House last November, Sherrill has missed over half of the votes in the House—more than any other incumbent this year. Notably, she did not participate in votes related to bills aimed at addressing rising energy prices, which have been a focal point of her campaign.
One such missed vote was on a Republican-backed measure intended to enhance flexibility for grid operators, allowing essential power generation projects to progress more rapidly. Additionally, she skipped voting on legislation designed to facilitate the permitting process for cross-border energy infrastructures, both of which passed the House and are awaiting Senate approval.
Sherrill also wasn’t present at a debate regarding the energy spending bill, which funds federal energy policy, while her constituents in New Jersey have seen electricity prices soar—up to 20% for some this summer.
Her campaign has not directly addressed her absences. Sean Higgins, Sherrill’s communications director, defended her by pointing out that the House Republicans had worked for only 14 days since late July, implying that questions about her missed votes were unwarranted.
Amid the perceived inactivity in the House, Sherrill participated in only about 17% of possible votes, managing to cast her vote in just 11 of the 63 votes that took place over the past three months. With only a short commute needed to the Capitol, her absences raise eyebrows.
Even though the House has been in recess since September 19 due to ongoing budget issues, Sherrill did side with Democrats in a decision to halt the government. Beyond legislative votes, she missed key resolutions condemning specific violent incidents, including an anti-Semitic attack in Colorado and a shooting involving a Minnesota lawmaker.
She also did not vote on impeachment articles against former President Trump and was absent for votes intended to honor deceased colleagues. In total, her missed votes included critical matters concerning criminal law, organ harvesting, and measures directed at combating fentanyl trafficking.
Higgins criticized her opponent, Jack Ciattarelli, for not doing enough for New Jersey. He suggested that Ciattarelli, who has spent millions on failed campaigns since 2017, hasn’t met the needs of the state.
Interestingly, lawmakers often exhibit higher rates of absenteeism when pursuing other political ambitions, like running for governor or president. It’s something to ponder as we watch Sherrill navigate her campaign while balancing her responsibilities in Congress.
