New Jersey’s Democratic gubernatorial candidates, Rep. Mikie Sherrill and Rep. Josh Gottheimer, have publicly condemned President Trump’s handling of the Los Angeles protests, vowing to protect their state’s residents if elected. The chaos in California has become a focal point in the New Jersey campaign as both candidates emphasize their commitment to resisting Trump’s policies. Sherrill, a Navy veteran and former federal prosecutor, criticized Trump’s comments about California Governor Gavin Newsom and called for a stronger response to the protests. Gottheimer, meanwhile, condemned the deployment of National Guard troops without Newsom’s request, calling it reckless and out of line with traditional executive authority.
The deployment of National Guardsmen and Marines to Los Angeles following the anti-ICE protests and riots has drawn criticism from both candidates, who see it as an escalation of tensions. Sherrill argued that Trump’s actions are making the situation more violent and bad, while Gottheimer called it an outdated and dangerous approach. Both candidates are positioning themselves as strong contenders for the governorship, with Sherrill emphasizing her willingness to resist the status quo and Gottheimer promoting his experience as a tenacious leader capable of defeating the Republican nominee in the fall. Other Democratic candidates, including Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and former state Senate President Steve Sweeney, are also raising the issue of Trump’s immigration policies and the administration’s response to the protests. The candidates are framing their campaigns around the need to protect New Jersey families and resist the Trump administration’s policies.