New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill on Aug. 6 endorsed Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.) in his Democratic primary challenge to Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), marking her first national political action since taking office earlier this year. Sherrill’s endorsement was made through her federal political action committee, Mission to Deliver PAC, which named 13 Democratic candidates with military or national security backgrounds as its first slate of endorsements.
The endorsements span competitive races across multiple states, including House and Senate contests. Moulton, a Marine veteran who served four tours in Iraq, is challenging Markey in the Sept. 1 primary, a race that has centered on generational turnover and Markey’s tenure. Markey, first elected to the House in 1976 and to the Senate in 2013, will be 80 by Election Day.
Core Facts: Sherrill’s Endorsement and the Primary Challenge
Sherrill, a Naval Academy graduate and former Navy helicopter pilot, framed her support for Moulton as part of a broader effort to elect leaders with military service backgrounds. In a statement released by Moulton’s campaign, Sherrill said: “When I first decided to run for Congress, Seth was in my corner. He didn’t care about party establishment games—he cared about helping to elect leaders who put people first.”
Moulton, 47, has argued that the Democratic Party needs generational turnover, emphasizing his military service as a differentiator. His campaign highlighted Sherrill’s early support in his 2018 congressional bid, noting that she was among the first national backers through Serve America, an organization Moulton founded to recruit candidates with service backgrounds. Moulton also campaigned for Sherrill in New Jersey during her 2023 gubernatorial run.
Broader Context: Mission to Deliver PAC’s Endorsements
Sherrill’s Mission to Deliver PAC is focused on supporting Democratic candidates with military or national security experience in competitive races ahead of the 2026 midterms. The PAC’s first round of endorsements includes candidates in House and Senate races across 11 states, including battleground districts such as:
- North Carolina’s 1st District (Rep. Don Davis)
- New Hampshire’s 1st District (Maggie Goodlander)
- Virginia’s 2nd District (former Rep. Elaine Luria)
- Arizona’s 6th District (JoAnna Mendoza)
- Colorado’s 8th District (Eileen Laubacher and Jessica Killin)
The PAC’s endorsements signal Sherrill’s intent to shape the Democratic Party’s direction ahead of the 2028 presidential election, as she seeks to influence races where military service is a central theme. Additional endorsements are expected in the coming months, according to sources familiar with her plans.
The Massachusetts Senate Primary: Key Dynamics
The primary challenge to Sen. Ed Markey has drawn attention due to its focus on age and tenure, with Moulton positioning himself as a progressive alternative. Markey, a longtime incumbent, retains the backing of most of Massachusetts’ Democratic establishment, including endorsements from Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and other prominent figures.
Moulton’s campaign has framed the race as a choice between experience in leadership and fresh perspectives, arguing that his military background and generational approach align with the party’s evolving priorities. Sherrill’s endorsement adds a high-profile backer to Moulton’s bid, though the primary remains competitive.
Implications for the Democratic Party
Sherrill’s endorsements reflect a broader trend within the Democratic Party to elevate candidates with military service backgrounds, particularly in competitive races. The PAC’s focus on national security credentials may resonate in districts where defense and veterans’ issues are prominent.
The endorsements also underscore Sherrill’s emergence as a national figure within the party, following her transition from Congress to the New Jersey governorship. Her PAC’s activities suggest an intent to play a more active role in shaping Democratic strategy ahead of future elections.