Open Governor Seats Entice House Lawmakers Seeking Bigger Role

March 18, 2025, 9:30 AM UTC

Mikie Sherrill and Josh Gottheimer are rising House Democrats with reputations as pragmatists who could help the party regain control of the chamber in 2026.

But the New Jersey lawmakers are ready to leave behind the partisan squabbling of Washington and risk a tough statewide race as they seek a bigger and more influential job this year: governor.

They are among more than a dozen House members waging or considering campaigns for governor this year or next, when at least 17 of the 38 contests won’t have incumbents running because of term limits or retirements.

An open-seat race for a ...

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