CWA Celebrates Mikie Sherrill’s Election as Governor, A Victory for New Jersey’s Working Families

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CWA Celebrates Mikie Sherrill’s Election as Governor, A Victory for New Jersey’s Working Families

Union members’ mobilization secures a champion in Trenton and reelects key labor allies in the legislature to fight for rights, public service, and affordability

TRENTON, NJ – November 5, 2025 – Communications Workers of America (CWA) District 1 today celebrated the historic election of Mikie Sherrill as Governor of New Jersey, a decisive victory for working families secured by a powerful grassroots mobilization. The Union also celebrated the successful reelection of a slate of pro-worker champions in the legislature who have stood with CWA in the fight for affordable healthcare.

CWA members mobilized across the state, fueled by the urgent need for leaders who would defend the rights of workers, protect public service jobs and pensions, and tackle the crushing affordability crisis impacting everything from healthcare premiums to grocery bills.

“From protecting our unions to making healthcare, education, and housing more affordable, Mikie Sherrill ran on the issues that matter most to the people who make New Jersey run,” said Dennis Trainor, Vice President of CWA District 1. “Together with our champions in the legislature, we have a powerful team in Trenton ready to act. Our members delivered this victory, and now, with Governor-elect Sherrill and our legislative allies, we will get to work building a more affordable, equitable state for everyone.”

“I’m awed by the amazing work done by our members throughout the state to help bring home this victory,” said Tonya Hodges, CWA District 1 Area Director for New Jersey. “Absolutely no one worked harder over the last few months than the people who help keep this state running and recognized the incredible opportunity we had to help elect champions up and down the ballot who are committed to standing with us in our fight for affordability.”

“Mikie Sherrill’s victory is a mandate for a New Jersey that works for its workers, not just the wealthy and well-connected,” said Adam Liebtag, President of CWA Local 1036. “Our members poured their hearts into this campaign because they trusted that as Governor, Mikie Sherrill will protect our right to organize, strengthen our public services, and defend the pensions we’ve earned. She understands that the cost-of-living crisis isn’t just about one issue—it’s the skyrocketing cost of healthcare wiping out raises, the struggle to put food on the table, and the dream of a secure retirement feeling out of reach. In the State House, we now have a partner who will fight for genuine cost reduction for families, not just cost-shifting onto public servants and taxpayers.”

The union’s broad-based support was echoed by local presidents representing thousands of public sector workers.

“For our members in state and local government, this victory means having a governor who values the vital services we provide and will ensure we can do our jobs with dignity and security,” said Ken McNamara, President of CWA Local 1037. “Governor-elect Sherrill has committed to being a true partner, and we look forward to working with her administration to rebuild the public sector and protect the workers who serve our communities every day.”

Michele Long-Vickers, President of CWA Local 1040, highlighted the significance for the broader labor movement, stating, “The election of Mikie Sherrill sends a clear message that the attack on collective bargaining rights is over in New Jersey. Our members turned out in record numbers because they believed in her vision of a state where labor rights are respected and strengthened. We are energized and ready to work with our new governor to make that vision a reality for every working family.”

This victory extends beyond the governor's office. CWA's political program was also instrumental in reelecting steadfast labor allies who have been at the forefront of the fight for healthcare affordability and workers' rights.

About the Communications Workers of America, District 1 (CWA):

The Communications Workers of America represents 700,000 working men and women in public service, education, telecommunications, customer service, healthcare, media, airlines, and manufacturing. District 1 represents 70,000 members in New Jersey.