New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill is upset after records indicated that the state flag was at full mast, even though a White House announcement called for all American flags to be flown at half-staff until Saturday evening in honor of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, R.S.
“This might be the most political administration in Trenton I’ve seen in 25 years, and she’s only been in office for six months,” New Jersey Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-Boonton) told FOX News Digital. He had formally requested the governor lower the state flag earlier in the week following Graham’s passing.
By noon on Thursday, sources in Trenton confirmed that the flags at the Capitol were still at full staff. A state website tracking flag status also reflected that “all flags [were] fully staffed.”
Sherrill’s office did not respond to several requests for comment and seems to be one of the few Democratic state leaders to overlook the White House’s directive.
In contrast, the governors of nearby states like Delaware and Pennsylvania had complied with the half-staff order along with their leaders. Reports showed that similarly, states like California, Colorado, and Maryland also lowered their flags.
Furthermore, New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger also did not issue half-staff orders, indicating that their state flags remained at full staff as of Thursday. Fox News Digital reached out to both governors for commentary.
Pennacchio emphasized that his request was respectful and nonpartisan, highlighting Graham’s legacy as a respected public figure and veteran who displayed bipartisan values, especially during significant votes regarding Supreme Court confirmations.
“My request was not political at all,” he stated, noting that both he and Sherrill are military veterans. He suggested Graham often advocated for putting aside politics during crucial moments, emphasizing that the role of advice and consent should focus on qualifications rather than party affiliation.
Pennacchio, who mentioned that Sherrill previously represented his senate district in Congress, expressed a desire for effective bipartisan collaboration moving forward.
Sherrill’s choice not to lower the flag diverged from the actions taken by other prominent Democrats, like Senator Cory Booker, who shared a video honoring Graham and praised his collaborative spirit even when he faced partisan challenges.
In the video, Booker recounted how, as a freshman senator, Graham was recommended by another senator as a commendable bipartisan ally for criminal justice reform. Despite the contentious South Carolina primary, Booker found a working relationship with Graham.
Booker reflected on their partnership, mentioning how they worked together on legislation that ultimately contributed to the passage of the First Step Act.
Pennacchio appreciated Booker’s decision to honor Graham despite his typically partisan stance, stating, “One death makes us all feel a little smaller.”
Representative Christopher Smith, a Republican and New Jersey’s longest-serving lawmaker, also spoke on Graham’s passing, calling him a dedicated fighter for rights and freedoms who would be missed greatly. Smith extended his condolences to Graham’s family.
Pennacchio also expressed that when public servants pass after a lifetime of service, the nation unites to honor them with dignity, insisting that New Jersey should follow suit.
