Laken Riley Act roils NJ governor’s race as 2 Dems skip roll: ‘The more someone campaigns the less they vote’

In the 2025 race to succeed term-limited New Jersey Gov. Philip Murphy, two Democrats found themselves under fire for not casting votes on the Laken Riley Act this week. Reps. Mikie Sherrill of Essex and Josh Gottheimer of Bergen County were recorded as “not voting” on the bill, which would require illegal immigrants convicted of theft-related crimes to be detained by municipal and state authorities.

The bill, named after a young woman named Laken Riley who was tragically murdered by an illegal immigrant in Georgia, has been a contentious issue among lawmakers. Those who did not vote on the bill faced criticism from both Democratic and Republican gubernatorial candidates.

Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop criticized Sherrill and Gottheimer for their lack of action, calling it “cowardly.” He emphasized the importance of having core convictions and the courage to stand up for what one believes in, especially when seeking leadership positions.

Former Republican Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli also condemned the two lawmakers, accusing them of dodging a crucial vote on the Laken Riley Act. He highlighted the bravery and courage shown by Laken Riley in her fight against a murderous illegal immigrant, contrasting it with the inaction of Sherrill and Gottheimer.

Ciattarelli, who nearly defeated Gov. Murphy in the 2021 election, expressed disappointment in the two Democrats for failing to stand up to their party’s far-left base. He suggested that their reluctance to vote on the bill could be indicative of their ability to lead as Governor.

On the other hand, New Jersey’s three Republican congressmen all voted in support of the Laken Riley Act, underscoring the political divide on the issue. Democratic lawmakers who voted against the bill included Reps. Nellie Pou, Frank Pallone, Herbert Conaway, LaMonica McIver, Donald Norcross, and Rob Menendez Jr.

Republican Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia humorously criticized Sherrill and Gottheimer, implying that indecision could hinder their political aspirations. State Sen. Jon Bramnick, a GOP gubernatorial candidate, emphasized the importance of prioritizing constituents over campaign activities, especially on contentious issues like immigration.

Bramnick acknowledged the complexity of immigration policy and stressed the need for a bipartisan approach to address the issue. He expressed his commitment to following the law and creating a path to citizenship for long-time residents who have contributed positively to their communities.

While Sherrill, Gottheimer, and other Democratic candidates in the race did not immediately respond to inquiries about their non-votes, the political fallout from their actions could have implications for their gubernatorial campaigns. As the race heats up, candidates will need to navigate challenging issues like immigration while demonstrating leadership and conviction to win over voters.