The National Archives issued a formal apology to Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill after her military records were improperly released to an unauthorized requester, sparking a political controversy in New Jersey. The breach, described as ‘exceedingly rare’ by NPRC Director Scott Levins, involved the disclosure of sensitive personal information such as Sherrill’s social security number and date of birth to Nicholas De Gregorio, an ally of Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli. The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) acknowledged the flaw in its procedures, promising to implement additional safeguards and staff training to prevent future breaches. Sherrill condemned the incident as a violation of veteran privacy, accusing the Trump administration and Ciattarelli’s campaign of using the release for political purposes.
De Gregorio, who initially sought information on Sherrill as requested by GOP consultant Chris Russell, denied any direct involvement from Ciattarelli’s campaign in accessing the records. While the NPRC provided free credit monitoring services and emphasized its commitment to improving security protocols, Sherrill’s campaign highlighted the broader implications of the breach, warning that it sets a dangerous precedent for personal privacy. The incident has intensified tensions in the highly contested gubernatorial race, with both candidates leveraging the controversy for political gain. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump, who is backing Ciattarelli, has criticized Sherrill on social media, calling her ‘close to incompetent’ and misspelling her name, further fueling the polarization of the race. The situation has also drawn attention from civil liberties advocates and privacy experts, who are questioning the adequacy of government systems to protect sensitive personal information, especially in politically charged contexts. As the race continues, the incident underscores the risks of information security lapses in public administration, raising concerns about the potential misuse of personal data for political leverage.
The National Archives’ apology, detailed in a letter shared by Sherrill’s campaign, marked a significant step towards accountability, though critics argue that the breach highlights a deeper systemic failure in data protection. Levins’s letter acknowledged the error in releasing the comprehensive records, which included not only Sherrill’s personal details but also extensive military service information. The NPRC’s commitment to reviewing its policies and providing additional training indicates a recognition of the need for reform, but the incident has exposed vulnerabilities in the handling of sensitive information by federal agencies. As both candidates continue their campaigns, the scandal has become a focal point in the broader debate over the role of government in protecting individual privacy and the ethical implications of political competition in public service.