I was born and raised in Paterson, the daughter of Puerto Rican parents who came to New Jersey with faith in the American dream. My dad worked for the city of Paterson, my mom took care of our home and our neighbors, and they both taught me that serving others is the greatest duty one can have. In our house, there was always an extra plate for whoever needed it, because in our community we take care of each other. Mikie Sherrill has demonstrated that he shares those values and commitment to public service.
Those values have guided me all my life. From my years in Paterson city government to becoming the first Latina elected to represent New Jersey’s 35th Legislative District, and later as a state senator and now congressman, I have dedicated my career to fighting for working families, for better schools, for affordable health care and to give more opportunities to the next generation.
But today, the same families I have always fought for are struggling more than ever. Prices continue to rise, energy bills are through the roof, and this administration’s irresponsible policies are creating instability that hits Latino and working families the hardest. I hear it every day, from Bergen to Passaic: people are working harder than ever just to stay afloat.
We need a governor who understands those struggles and fights for us. That’s why I’m proud to support Mikie Sherrill.
Mikie has always been present in our communities. As a naval pilot, federal prosecutor and congressman, he has never shied away from facing difficult battles for our community. He leads with integrity and firmness, while others just chase headlines. And, above all, he reaches out to Latino voters where we are—in our neighborhoods, businesses, and schools—to talk about what really matters: lowering costs, creating good-paying jobs, and giving our children a real chance to get ahead.
That’s the kind of leadership New Jersey needs right now.
Latino voters will have a decisive role in this election. In cities like Paterson and Passaic, where our Latino families have driven the economy and culture for generations, many wonder if any of the parties truly represent them. In 2024 we saw what happens when voters who feel ignored stay home or look for another option. But our values—family, faith, hard work, and staying ahead—are New Jersey values. When we participate and believe that our voice counts, we are the ones who decide the elections.
Mikie understands. She does not take the Latino vote for granted. His plan to reduce energy bills, expand help to those looking to buy their first home, and eliminate red tape holding back small businesses will have a real impact on families across the state. His “Save Time and Money” agenda seeks to make state government work again for the people — especially local business owners who just need a fair chance to prosper.
Meanwhile, his opponent Jack Ciattarelli has made his position clear. He has repeatedly supported the Republican bill that increased health insurance costs for hundreds of thousands of people in New Jersey and pushed for the largest cut to Medicaid in the country’s history. In his own words, he thinks working families should “endure the pain” to pay Trump’s tariffs. You may talk about “affordability,” but your votes tell another story.
I know our community. We don’t ask for special treatment; We ask to be seen, respected and heard. We want leaders who understand what it means to work hard to build a better future for our children.
Mikie Sherrill is that leader. She does not see our Latino community as secondary. He sees us as the heart and future of New Jersey.
As a mother, grandmother, and proud daughter of Puerto Rican parents who came with nothing more than a dream, I believe in a New Jersey where every family can thrive, no matter their zip code or the language they speak at home.
This November, our community has the power to decide that future. Let’s use that power. Let’s send a clear message that Latino voices matter and that we are ready to have a governor who will fight for us. We’re going to pick Mikie Sherrill.
The Democratic Congresswoman Nellie Pou
represents District 09 in New Jersey, which has a 43.52% Latino population.
The texts published in this section are the sole responsibility of the authors, so El Diario does not assume responsibility for them.
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