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NJ Republican Primary Heats Up for Sherrill's Seat

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. blican-primary-heats-up-for-sherrill-s-seat.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, February 8th 2026 at 22:12 GMT by Patch
      Locales: New Jersey, UNITED STATES

MORRISTOWN, NJ - February 9th, 2026 - A heated Republican primary battle is brewing in New Jersey's 11th Congressional District, with multiple challengers vying to unseat Democratic incumbent Mikie Sherrill in the November general election. The district, encompassing portions of Morris, Essex, Sussex, and Warren counties, is witnessing a surge in Republican engagement, fueled by the national 'replace' movement and anxieties surrounding demographic shifts.

Sherrill, first elected in 2018, has consistently held the seat, but a growing segment of Republican voters are eager for a change in representation. The primary, scheduled for June 2nd, is shaping up to be a critical test of the 'replace' strategy - a nationwide effort to flip traditionally Democratic districts by nominating conservative candidates. This year's race is particularly noteworthy due to the complex interplay of local concerns, national political trends, and accusations of divisive rhetoric surrounding some of the candidates.

Three primary contenders have emerged as frontrunners: Rosemary Becerra, Anthony Raguso, and Paul Fischer. Each candidate presents a distinct platform, yet all share a common goal: to challenge Sherrill and bring what they perceive as a more conservative voice to Washington.

Rosemary Becerra: Focusing on Borders and 'Cultural Identity'

Becerra, a former Mount Olive Township Committeewoman, has built her campaign on a platform emphasizing stringent border security and fiscal responsibility. However, her rhetoric concerning the district's changing demographics has attracted significant controversy. Becerra has repeatedly voiced concerns about preserving the community's "values," a phrase critics argue serves as a veiled appeal to nativist sentiments. These comments have sparked accusations of racism and xenophobia, which Becerra vehemently denies, asserting that her concerns stem from a desire to maintain the district's unique "cultural identity." The debate over Becerra's messaging highlights a growing tension within the Republican party - balancing appeals to conservative voters with the need to avoid alienating moderate and minority groups.

Anthony Raguso: Economic Growth Under Scrutiny

Raguso, an engineer and business owner from Chester, centers his campaign on promises of economic growth, deregulation, and strong support for law enforcement. However, Raguso's past association with an organization linked to white nationalist figures has cast a shadow over his candidacy. While Raguso has publicly distanced himself from the group and denounced its ideology, the connection continues to be a point of contention for opponents and media outlets. His ability to fully address and allay these concerns will be crucial in determining his viability as a candidate. The incident underscores the increasing scrutiny candidates face regarding their affiliations and past associations in the current political climate.

Paul Fischer: Conservative Veteran Seeks Support

Fischer, a retired U.S. Army officer and former Hanover Township Committeeman, presents himself as a traditional conservative candidate focused on national security, limited government, and upholding established values. A long-time participant in local Republican politics, Fischer boasts endorsements from several prominent party figures, offering him a level of establishment support that his rivals lack. His military background and emphasis on national security resonate with a segment of the Republican base, but he faces the challenge of energizing a broader coalition of voters to overcome Sherrill's incumbency advantage.

The 'Replace' Movement and its Impact

The context of this primary is heavily influenced by the burgeoning 'replace' movement. Originating as a strategic initiative to target vulnerable Democratic incumbents in suburban and traditionally moderate districts, the movement has gained traction through social media and grassroots organizing. Proponents believe that by focusing on issues like crime, education, and the economy, they can successfully peel away support from Democratic voters and flip key districts. The success of this strategy in New Jersey's 11th Congressional District remains uncertain, but the intensity of the Republican primary suggests a determined effort to challenge Sherrill.

The outcome of the June 2nd primary will not only determine who faces Mikie Sherrill in the general election but also serve as a bellwether for the broader viability of the 'replace' movement. Analysts predict a high voter turnout, driven by both enthusiastic supporters of the Republican candidates and those motivated by the potential for significant change. The race is expected to be closely watched by national political observers as a microcosm of the larger battles playing out across the country in the lead-up to the 2026 midterm elections.