For 30 years, I have walked the picket lines and supported American workers in their struggles to have a union, a good job, affordable healthcare, a pension, and an opportunity for their children to build an economic future worthy of their potential.

I am supporting Mikie Sherrill for Governor because she represents change and hope in our politics. As a former helicopter pilot and military veteran, she knows how to get things done. She has the courage and the commitment to walk the walk and deliver on her promises.

As a former candidate for office and community leader, I have a record of standing with women to demand representation in our politics and I have supported women candidates challenging the status quo for decades. Why? because I believe women's voices change our politics for the better. We care about families and our children’s future and rather than focus on power or personal gain, we focus on results and building coalitions to tackle tough problems.

Mikie Sherrill is running for Governor with a new playbook honed during her first run as an insurgent candidate who took down a Republican powerhouse in Rep. Frelinghuysen. She is part of the wave of leaders who, despite doubts from the national party, stepped up and led the largest red to blue flip in the country.

Mikies understands that building a stronger economy, fully funding our schools, and creating safe communities where our children can play and thrive, alongside ensuring our businesses succeed, is essential for helping all families thrive. She believes in investing in the future of our community, rather than being held back by the same political grudges and personality politics of the past. That is why I support her.

She also recognizes the true value of our Hispanic community.

New Jersey needs new leadership that understands how Hispanic and minority-owned businesses have been shut out of state opportunities for far too long. Despite making up 28% of all businesses, they receive only 4% of state contracts — with just 1% going to Hispanic-owned businesses. As governor, Mikie is committed to changing that.

With over 120,000 Hispanic-owned small businesses contributing $20 billion to our state economy and creating jobs in our local economies, Mikie will ensure that businesses have a fair shot. She will cut red tape, improve access to services that help businesses grow and innovate to compete, and increase transparency, so that state resources and opportunity reach everyone, not just a few.

I support Mikie Sherrill because she is committed to tackling big issues head on — to build a New Jersey that invests in all families and stands with our union brothers and sisters to create good jobs, invest in our small businesses, and make our public universities more affordable. And I know she is ready to defend our state against any abuses of power from Donald Trump’s Washington.

Mikie Sherrill and I are both part of a big-tent Democratic party where we don’t have to agree on every policy position.

But Mikie and I do agree 100% that now is the time to make New Jersey more inclusive, more affordable, and more supportive of all our working families.

This Jersey Girl is proud to support Mike Sherrill for Governor, another proud Jersey Girl ready to fight for NJ families. Join us!

For more on Dr. Patricia Campos Medina, please go HERE.