New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has rolled out her first batch of congressional endorsements for the 2026 midterm cycle, throwing support behind a slate of Democratic candidates with military and national security backgrounds. The move signals an early effort by the party to elevate veterans and security-focused newcomers as it seeks to regain ground in Washington.
Sherrill's hybrid political action committee, "Mission to Deliver," announced Thursday that it is backing 13 Democratic campaigns. This is the PAC's first major endorsement push since Sherrill won the Virginia governor's race last year, a victory that energized Democrats and fueled hopes for a favorable midterm environment.
Among the most prominent endorsements is Massachusetts Representative Seth Moulton, who is challenging incumbent Senator Ed Markey in the Democratic primary. Moulton, a Marine Corps veteran, thanked Sherrill on social media, calling the endorsement a "deep honor" and expressing gratitude for her support as they work "to build a stronger, more united America together."
The rest of the list spans House races across the country, including JoAnna Mendoza in Arizona's 6th, Eileen Laubacher in Colorado's 4th, Jessica Kilin in Colorado's 5th, Bale Dalton in Florida's 7th, Zach Dembo in Kentucky's 6th, and Don Davis in North Carolina's 1st. Also endorsed are Maura Sullivan in New Hampshire's 1st, Maggie Goodlander in New Hampshire's 2nd, Rebecca Bennett in New Jersey's 7th, Cait Conley in New York's 17th, Nancy Lacore in South Carolina's 1st, and Elaine Luria in Virginia's 2nd.
Sherrill, a former Navy pilot and ex-congresswoman, has made her own service record central to her political identity. Her PAC was launched earlier this year with a focus on candidates who prioritize lowering costs and a commitment to public service, according to a donor call reported by Axios.
In a statement accompanying the endorsements, Sherrill emphasized the candidates' oaths to the Constitution and their readiness to serve. "Each one of these candidates has taken multiple oaths to the U.S. Constitution. They know what it means to serve others and accomplish the mission, whatever it takes," she said.
She also took a sharp jab at President Trump, who has faced criticism for avoiding military service. "When we send veterans to Washington, we are sending in dedicated public servants who are trained to run towards the fight and are unafraid to take on the status quo," Sherrill added. "They will stand up to a president who ran away from service, who sends our troops into harm's way for a war he shouldn't have gotten into and can't get out of, and drives up costs for the American people while he uses public office to enrich himself, his family, and his cronies."
The endorsements come as Democrats see an opening in the midterms, though internal divisions remain a challenge. Sherrill's PAC is part of a broader effort to channel resources into races where national security credentials could appeal to swing voters. With Republican midterm troubles deepening, the party is hoping to capitalize on a favorable political climate.
Sherrill's focus on security-minded candidates mirrors a strategy that has worked for other Democratic groups, and her early endorsements could help shape the primary landscape in several key districts. As the cycle progresses, more endorsements are expected from Mission to Deliver.
