Rebecca Michelle “Mikie” Sherrill (born January 19, 1972, in Alexandria, Virginia) is an American politician, attorney, and former U.S. Navy helicopter pilot. She has served as the U.S. Representative for New Jersey’s 11th district since 2019 and is a leading candidate in the 2025 New Jersey gubernatorial primary. Sherrill’s career combines military service, law, and public office, reflecting resilience, leadership, and a commitment to civic duty.
Quick Facts of Mikie Sherrill
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rebecca Michelle “Mikie” Sherrill |
| Date of Birth | January 19, 1972 |
| Place of Birth | Alexandria, Virginia, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | U.S. Representative (2019–present); former Navy pilot; attorney |
| Education | B.S., U.S. Naval Academy; MSc, LSE; JD, Georgetown University |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Spouse | Jason Hedberg (Naval Academy classmate) |
| Children | 4 |
| Net Worth | $9.7M–$10.1M (2025) |
| Major Achievements | Combat-qualified Navy pilot; federal prosecutor; House Rep; leading NJ governor poll |
Early Life and Family
Born into a military-minded family, Sherrill moved frequently along the East Coast due to her father’s career. She graduated from South Lakes High School in Reston, Virginia, before earning a B.S. from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1994. Inspired by her grandfather, a WWII pilot, she became one of the first women to qualify for combat aircraft, flying H‑3 Sea King helicopters in Europe and the Middle East until retiring as a lieutenant in 2003.
Education and Career Beginnings
After leaving the Navy, Sherrill earned an MSc in International History from LSE and a JD from Georgetown University. She practiced law at Kirkland & Ellis in New York before entering public service. In New Jersey, she became an Associate U.S. Attorney, focusing on criminal justice reform and community reentry programs.
Her political career began in 2018, when she challenged 12-term Republican Rodney Frelinghuysen. Leveraging her bipartisan appeal, military background, and legal expertise, Sherrill won decisively and has since been re-elected in 2020, 2022, and 2024.
Congressional Career and Achievements
Sherrill has consistently demonstrated leadership in Congress. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the Select Committee on Strategic Competition with the Chinese Communist Party. She has sponsored or co-sponsored over 1,200 bills addressing veterans’ affairs, national security, reproductive rights, and judicial reform.
Her work has earned her recognition as a moderate and principled voice, praised for integrity and bipartisan outreach.
2025 Gubernatorial Run
Sherrill is currently leading key polls for the 2025 New Jersey gubernatorial primary. Despite facing campaign controversies, including fines for stock trades and attack ads, she has maintained a reputation for transparency and focus on policy.
Personal Life
Sherrill is married to Jason Hedberg, a fellow Naval Academy alumnus and former Navy intelligence officer. The couple lives in Montclair, New Jersey, with their four children. A devout Roman Catholic, Sherrill attributes her values and public service approach to her faith.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
As of 2025, Sherrill’s net worth is estimated at $9.7M–$10.1M, including:
- $3–4M in publicly traded stocks and ETFs
- $3M in real estate
- $2.3M in mutual funds, $700K in insurance, and $215K in cash
Her wealth derives from a combination of congressional salary, investments, real estate, and legal career earnings.
Interesting Facts
- One of the first women combat-qualified helicopter pilots in the U.S. Navy
- Fluent in Arabic, with certification from the American University in Cairo
- Advocates for reentry programs helping former inmates reintegrate
- Featured in Glamour, Politico, Vogue, and NYT during the “Trump Jump” wave of female candidates
Charitable Work and Legacy
Sherrill’s early legal work focused on community reentry programs. In Congress, she champions veterans’ support, legal fairness, and national security policy. Despite occasional scrutiny, she has upheld her reputation as a transparent and centrist leader, earning respect across party lines.
Future Plans and Cultural Impact
Sherrill’s gubernatorial bid signals her transition from federal policy to state leadership. She represents the growing impact of women veterans in American politics and strengthens the moderate-voter coalition in key suburban districts. Her journey—blending military service, law, civic engagement, and centrist leadership—resonates as a model of integrity, service, and influence.
