Mikie Sherrill serves as the U.S. Representative for New Jersey's 11th congressional district, a position she has held since her election to the 116th Congress in January 2019. Born on January 19, 1972, in Alexandria, Virginia, Sherrill completed her undergraduate education at the United States Naval Academy, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1994. Following her graduation, she served as a Naval officer until 2003. Later, she earned her Master of Science from the London School of Economics in 2003 and a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University in 2007.
Before entering Congress, Sherrill worked as a lawyer and held various positions within the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Jersey, where she advanced to become an Assistant U.S. Attorney. She has a strong background in public service and law, contributing to her approach to governance.
In Congress, Sherrill has been actively involved in several key legislative areas and sits on a range of committees, including the Armed Services Committee and the Tactical Air and Land Forces Subcommittee. Her legislative focus includes healthcare, education, labor issues, and veteran affairs, indicating her commitment to improving support and services for various demographics in her district.
Sherrill has sponsored and co-sponsored numerous bills aimed at addressing issues such as healthcare accessibility, crime prevention, and education reforms. Notable legislation includes the Expanding Access to High-Impact Tutoring Act of 2025 which focuses on enhancing educational outcomes by directing grants to state educational agencies to implement high-impact tutoring programs. She also introduced the Auto Theft Prevention Act, aimed at tackling the rise in auto theft through a grant program designed to aid local law enforcement.
Moreover, Sherrill has taken an active role in supporting veterans and mental health initiatives. For instance, her sponsorship of the Improving Mental Healthcare in the Re-Entry System Act of 2025 focuses on enhancing mental health services for individuals returning to society after incarceration. Additionally, the SCREENS for Cancer Act of 2025 aims to improve access to critical cancer screenings for underserved populations, reflecting her emphasis on health equity and preventative care.
In evaluating her political leanings, Sherrill positions herself as a centrist Democrat, advocating for measures that promote economic fairness, educational opportunity, and public health. Her legislative efforts often focus on a collaborative approach, seeking to engage with both parties on issues of national importance. This bipartisan engagement is exemplified in her work related to improving workforce development and increasing labor representation, as seen in the Expanding Labor Representation in the Workforce System Act, which seeks to elevate the role of labor organizations in workforce policy.
On a personal note, Sherrill resides in Montclair, NJ, with her husband, and they are raising their three children together. Her family life and background in military service contribute to her perspectives on national security and community support, influencing her advocacy for responsible governance and effective public service.
Mikie Sherrill’s career highlights her dedication to serving her constituents and addressing critical issues through influenced policy-making while promoting a fair and inclusive approach to governance.