Incoming New Jersey Governor Will Work With Trump If He Gets ‘on The Team’

NEW BRUNSWICK, New Jersey — Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill’s top aide on Tuesday night said the incoming New Jersey governor is willing to work with the Trump administration if they “get on the team” to help the Garden State.

The comments from incoming Sherrill chief of staff Alex Ball — made at POLITICO’s Transition of Power: What's Next for New Jersey event — contrasts with the advice of two of Sherrill’s predecessors, who said she should take a more conciliatory tone.

Democrats across the country are looking for models on how to address the president, weighing whether to take a combative tone like California Gov. Gavin Newsom or a more affable relationship like Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

On Tuesday night, Ball suggested a different approach from New Jersey’s incoming governor.

“[Sherrill’s] going to stand up to anyone who gets in the way of her making life easier and more affordable for New Jerseyans, and she's also willing to work with anyone who wants to join her in that endeavor,” Ball said.

“So if the Trump administration wants to get on the team and support those efforts, great. If not, she's going to do what she needs to do to hold him accountable.”

Asked if she thinks Trump has shown he wants to join those efforts, Ball said: “Not so far, but we’ll see.”

Sherrill’s predecessors had different advice. Former GOP Gov. Christine Todd Whitman said during POLITICO’s event Tuesday that Sherrill should not “go out of her way to start a fight” with Trump. Whitman has been a vocal opponent of Trump and recently left the Republican Party.

Former Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine said Tuesday that Sherrill should meet with the president on the Gateway tunnel project — a massive new rail tunnel under the Hudson River — which Trump threatened to “terminate” in October.

“I would try to get a sit-down on the tunnel almost immediately — if not even before inauguration. I don't think there's anything more important for the economics of New Jersey than have our transportation system work effectively,” Corzine said.

The president is no stranger to New Jersey. He often frequents his golf course located in Bedminster, an affluent suburb in Somerset County. Whitman, who lives nearby, said Trump is “going to want New Jersey to do alright.” Trump may even want a “Mamdani moment” with Sherrill, Whitman said — a reference to Zohran Mamdani, New York City’s democratic socialist mayor-elect, who recently had a warm meeting with the president.

Whitman and Corzine have something in common with Sherrill: They served as governor as the opposite party occupied the White House.

But the former governors suggested that the similarities end there, since Trump remains a unique figure in American politics.

“He’s an entirely different animal,” Whitman said.

“He is an animal,” Corzine added.