Mikie Sherrill Alleges Illegal Disclosure of Personal Records in Race for New Jersey Governor

The race for the New Jersey governorship is heating up as Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, the Democratic nominee, responds vehemently to allegations stemming from a troubling incident involving her military records. The National Archives recently shared unredacted documents—including sensitive personal information—with an ally of her Republican opponent, Jack Ciattarelli, raising serious concerns about federal privacy law violations.

Unredacted Military Records and Privacy Concerns

Sherrill’s unredacted military records were reportedly disclosed to Nick De Gregorio, a Republican consultant and former congressional candidate. These records, which should be safeguarded under privacy laws, were mishandled and contained:

• Social Security Number
• Home address of her parents
• Life insurance details
• A nondisclosure agreement concerning classified information

Sherrill expressed her outrage through a post on X, characterizing the incident as “an illegal and dangerous weaponization of the federal government.” She further asserted that the actions taken by Ciattarelli and Trump’s administration constitute a serious violation against anyone who has ever served in the military.

Political Rivalry Intensifies

In recent weeks, the political landscape in New Jersey has become increasingly competitive. A recent poll from Emerson indicates that Sherrill and Ciattarelli are deadlocked, each securing 43% of voter support.

Ciattarelli’s camp has attempted to associate Sherrill with a 1994 cheating scandal at the Naval Academy, where over 100 midshipmen faced allegations of academic dishonesty. Despite attempts to draw connections, both Sherrill and the Naval Academy have confirmed that she was not involved in the scandal.

In fact, Sherrill did not participate in the graduation ceremony, stating she chose not to report classmates who were involved. “I didn’t turn in some of my classmates, so I didn’t walk, but graduated and was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy,” she explained in an interview with the New Jersey Globe.

GOP’s Tactics Under Scrutiny

New Jersey Republicans see an opportunity to reclaim the governorship, primarily driven by the growing discontent over the high cost of living. Consequently, they have been digging into Sherrill’s past.

• Ciattarelli’s Aim: The GOP is aiding in the effort to link Sherrill with the Naval Academy cheating scandal as a means of questioning her integrity.
• Yardstick of Public Opinion: Recent polling suggests that the battle for New Jersey’s governorship remains highly competitive.

Reaction From Political Leaders

The backlash against the record disclosure has prompted responses from various political figures. Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, the House minority leader, expressed strong support for Sherrill, calling for a criminal investigation into the unauthorized release of her records. "Mikie Sherrill is a patriot and a hero who has served this country," he stated.

The National Archives’ Response

The National Archives has acknowledged the breach, informing news outlets that the unredacted records were sent in error and are currently under investigation. This response raises questions about the safeguards in place for handling sensitive military documents.

Moving Forward

Sherrill’s campaign has emphasized that the illegal disclosure of her records raises broader concerns about the integrity of personal data for veterans. In a political landscape where privacy and transparency are critical, all eyes are on the unfolding events in New Jersey as the gubernatorial election approaches.

Conclusion

As the New Jersey governor race heats up, the implications of this incident extend beyond Sherrill herself, casting a shadow on the ethical practices surrounding political campaigns and the protection of personal data.

For more about the ongoing developments in this race, visit CBS News and New Jersey Globe for the latest updates.