Sherrill Hints New Jersey Could Push Back on Washington by Rethinking Federal Tax Payments
Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill suggests New Jersey may question how much it sends to Washington, taking a more confrontational position than her predecessors. In a recent interview with comedian and New Jersey resident Jon Stewart, she suggested withholding federal tax monies, sparking national political attention.
In the interview, Sherrill said she “thinks about all the time” suspending federal tax payments as a way to protest when the government fails. Although she did not describe a formal plan or method, her comments made it apparent she is prepared to address President Donald Trump personally on topics she believes New Jersey is being shortchanged.
Sherrill said she has always prioritized “clawing back” money for the state, noting that New Jersey gives more to the federal government than it receives. Multiple evaluations show that New Jersey is one of the top contributor states, contributing billions more in federal taxes than government programs and services. If the federal government isn’t supplying taxpayers with promised services, why should states allow the imbalance?
Her sentiments echo California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has also suggested challenging federal tax flows. Withholding federal tax revenues has never happened since individuals and corporations pay them directly, not state governments. Even Newsom admitted such a strategy would be tough to implement. Sherrill’s candid consideration of the notion shows her political daring as she prepares to head the Garden State.
Hours before the interview, Sherrill resigned from Congress, ending her four-term career and preparing to become governor. She defeated Republican Jack Ciattarelli in a highly watched race impacted by national politics and the discussion over Trump’s impact on state-level leadership earlier this month.
Trump’s cancellation of the $16 billion Gateway rail tunnel project between New Jersey and New York shocked state lawmakers and transportation authorities late in the campaign, raising questions about federal funding. Sherrill slammed the action as Washington failing to support vital infrastructure millions of Americans depend on. She promised to prioritize New Jersey families, commuters, and jobs over Washington politics.
That was reinforced by her chat with Stewart. The federal government should supply the services citizens pay for, Sherrill said, like a consumer should not have to pay if the service provider fails. As the 57th governor of New Jersey, she is suggesting that she will oppose the federal government whenever necessary, including publicly questioning the flow of billions in tax revenues that leave the state each year.
Stewart, who grew up in Lawrence Township and lives in Red Bank, hosted Sherrill with Virginia Democratic Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger. The exchange showed how a new generation of governors may navigate a complex political terrain with sharp state-Trump administration tensions.
Whether New Jersey will seriously challenge federal tax structures is unclear, but Sherrill is entering office with a willingness to ask tough questions and challenge Washington in a way that could change the national conversation about state and federal power.
