NJ-11: Murphy wants legislature to address 'cumbersome' special election schedule for Sherrill's House seat

As Democratic legislators discuss whether and how to change New Jersey election laws so that Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill’s successor in the 11th congressional district can be elected more quickly, outgoing Gov. Phil Murphy said today that he thinks some action will be taken, though he had few specifics about what that might look like.

“I suspect that would come up,” Murphy told reporters after a meeting with Sherrill earlier today. “Because we’ve got a really cumbersome process right now, and that needs to be addressed. Whether we can address it in [the] lame duck [session], I don’t know.”

Under current law, if Sherrill were to depart the House when she takes office as governor on January 20, the earliest a special primary could be held would be March 31, with a general election in early June – potentially conflicting with the state’s 2026 primary elections.

Sherrill could also resign from the House earlier and move up the schedule, but Murphy said he did not discuss that question with her today, and Sherrill said at a separate press conference that she’s still discussing the best path forward with legislative and congressional leaders.


https://newjerseyglobe.com/congress/murphy-wants-legislature-to-address-cumbersome-special-election-schedule-for-sherrills-house-seat/