New Jersey — Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill sent written requests for resignations to career public servants in New Jersey, according to multiple people familiar with the matter and a letter viewed by POLITICO, causing anger and confusion across the government workforce she’ll soon lead.
A Sherrill spokesperson told POLITICO the governor-elect’s transition team, which sent the notices, does not intend to ask for mass resignations and would clarify the requests only apply to political appointees.
It is unclear exactly how many people received the missives. Still, it’s created an early headache for the incoming governor — raising comparisons to the Trump administration’s treatment of public sector workers when the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, sought resignations of longtime federal employees last year.
“The toothpaste is out of the tube,” said one state worker, who was granted anonymity to discuss a sensitive matter. “You have that person who is crying in their office, it doesn’t matter if you say ‘My bad.’ There’s a trust issue there now. If it’s a mistake, it’s a consequential one.”
While incoming New Jersey governors regularly ask for the resignations of senior Cabinet officials, it is unusual for them to cut deeply into the workforce of career public sector employees.
According to Melvin Dwyer, vice president of IFPTE local 195, which represents state workers, career investigators at the Department of Banking and Insurance were asked to offer resignation letters.
During her gubernatorial campaign, Sherrill criticized Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli for allegedly trying to emulate a state-level DOGE. She has also touted bringing “ruthless competence” to government.
Lambert here: Sherill is, of course, a “CIA Democrat.”
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