New Jersey Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D) launched her campaign for the state’s governor on Monday, joining an already crowded Democratic primary field ahead of the 2025 race.

“We can also be the state that sets the gold standard for protecting rights and freedoms, and we know they’ll be under attack from Donald Trump’s Washington,” Sherrill said in an announcement video. “Because in New Jersey, we love our country, we’re proud of our state, and we value our freedoms.”

Sherrill, who is a former federal prosecutor and former Navy helicopter aircraft commander, represents the state’s 11th Congressional District outside of New York City.

She was expected to jump into the race to replace outgoing Gov. Phil Murphy (D) this month. Her announcement comes days after fellow New Jersey Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D) launched his bid for the state’s governor’s mansion on Friday. Other candidates include former New Jersey state Senate President Steve Sweeney (D), Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop (D), former Montclair Mayor Sean Spiller (D), and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka (D).

A number of Republicans have also thrown their names in the ring, including state Sen. Jon Bramnick, former state legislator Jack Ciattarelli, former state Sen. Ed Durr and radio host Bill Spadea.

Murphy narrowly defeated Ciattarelli in the state’s 2021 gubernatorial race by roughly three points.

The announcements come after Vice President Harris underperformed in the Garden State, which is normally considered a Democratic stronghold. Harris defeated President-elect Trump in the state by more than 5 points.