Tahesha Way Pursues Sherrill’s Congressional Seat
Lt. Governor Tahesha Way is poised to enter the race for the congressional seat vacated by Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey’s 11th district. Her candidacy adds a significant player to an already competitive Democratic primary expected to take place in late January or early February.
Tahesha Way: Background and Political Journey
Tahesha Way has been a prominent figure in New Jersey politics. She has served as Secretary of State for eight years and was appointed lieutenant governor after Sheila Oliver’s passing in 2023. A close ally of Governor Phil Murphy, Way has considerable experience in public service.
Sherrill’s Resignation and Special Election
Mikie Sherrill announced her resignation, effective next week. Following this, Governor Murphy will promptly issue a writ for a special election, setting the stage for a competitive race.
Key Contenders in the Race
Way joins a crowded field of Democratic candidates, including:
- Brendan Gill, Essex County Commissioner
- Tom Malinowski, former Congressman
- John Bartlett, Passaic County Commissioner
John Bartlett, who also resides in Wayne, has launched his campaign and currently has $517,000 available for his run.
Female Representation
Way’s Campaign marks a significant moment as she becomes the third woman vying for Sherrill’s seat. Historically, New Jersey has had only nine women in the U.S. House of Representatives. Following Sherrill, there have been five occasions where a congresswoman’s departure was followed by a male replacement.
Other Candidates and Backgrounds
Several other candidates have emerged, including:
- Cammie Croft, former Obama administration official
- Anna Lee Williams, activist
- Jeff Grayzel, Morris Township Committeeman and former Mayor
- Dean Dafis, Maplewood Township Committeeman and former Mayor
- Marc Chaaban, ex-House staffer
- Justin Strickland, Chatham Borough Councilman and U.S. Army veteran
Way’s Legal and Political Experience
Way began her political career as a Passaic County Freeholder in 2006. She later held various legal roles, including an Administrative Law Judge. Way gained significant recognition for her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, overseeing New Jersey’s vote-by-mail elections in 2020, where over 4.6 million ballots were cast.
Personal Life and Education
Tahesha Way, 55, is married to Charles Way, a former NFL player and executive. A mother of four, she graduated from Brown University and the University of Virginia School of Law. Way has also worked as a television producer and a literature professor.
As she prepares to run for Congress, Way will leave her office on January 20, when Lt. Governor-elect Dale Caldwell takes over. Notably, she does not need to resign from her current positions to pursue her congressional ambitions.
