What It Takes: Mikie Sherrill’s Story from Helicopters to the Statehouse

Greetings From the Garden State

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On this episode of Greetings from the Garden State, I sit down with Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill for an honest, wide-ranging conversation that covers everything from her time in the Navy to her decision to run for governor of New Jersey.

What We Cover:

• Finding Her Way to Jersey
  Mikie shares how she settled in Montclair over 15 years ago, what makes New Jersey feel like home, and why she’s embraced the state’s energy, community, and—yes—its volume.
• A Life of Service
  From her early inspiration to fly to graduating from the Naval Academy as part of the first class of women eligible for combat roles, Mikie reflects on how military service shaped her mindset, her leadership style, and her approach to adversity.
• Career Shifts and the Call to Serve Again
  After nearly a decade in the Navy, Mikie went to law school, worked as a federal prosecutor, and helped launch reentry programs for formerly incarcerated individuals. Eventually, that path led her to politics—and a run for Congress rooted in public service, not partisanship.
• Why She’s Running for Governor
  Mikie talks candidly about her frustrations with Washington, what she’s proud of in her time in Congress, and why she believes real progress—especially for small businesses, infrastructure, and affordability—starts at the state level.
• Keeping It Jersey
  We wrap with a lighter side: hiking Eagle Rock, grabbing subs from Belgiovanni’s (long hots required), and why Star Tavern still hits the spot after a long day.

Whether you’re a policy nerd, a small business owner, or someone just trying to make sense of the moment we’re in, this episode gives you a real look at the person behind the headlines—and what drives her to fight for New Jersey.

mikiesherrill.com

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