Political Backlash Over Non-Vote on the Laken Riley Act
Two Democratic lawmakers’ decision to abstain from voting on a pivotal immigration reform bill has sparked outrage among gubernatorial candidates and political figures in New Jersey.
Non-Vote Ignites Criticism
Democratic Representatives Mikie Sherrill and Josh Gottheimer, both contenders for the governorship in the 2025 election, faced significant backlash after they were recorded as “not voting” on the Laken Riley Act. This landmark legislation, which mandates the detention of illegal immigrants convicted of theft-related crimes by state and municipal authorities, has become a focal point in the ongoing debate over immigration policy in the Garden State.
The bill, named after Laken Riley—a young woman tragically murdered by an illegal immigrant who was released after previous arrests—has stirred emotions and has been propelled into the national discussion surrounding immigration reform. Following the revelation of the lawmakers’ non-vote, criticism erupted from both Democratic and Republican camps.
Political Fallout from Gubernatorial Candidates
New Jersey’s Governor Philip Murphy’s term is drawing to a close, setting the stage for a competitive gubernatorial race. Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop did not hold back in his criticism, proclaiming on X (formerly Twitter), “This is cowardly.” Fulop emphasized the importance of having strong convictions and asserted that “hiding is not an answer that wins elections.” He further stated, “If you don’t have the courage to vote for a bill, then what does that say about your courage to lead as Governor?” This pointed remark emphasizes a growing concern about the leadership qualities of potential candidates and their commitment to their political beliefs.
On the other side of the aisle, former Republican Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, who narrowly lost to Murphy in the 2021 election, condemned Sherrill and Gottheimer for what he described as their “gutless” evasion of the vote. “Shame on [Josh and Mikie] for gutlessly ducking a vote on the Laken Riley Act today,” Ciattarelli stated on social media. He invoked the memory of Laken Riley to underline the seriousness of the issue at hand, calling out the two lawmakers for failing to confront what he refers to as their “extreme far left base.”
A Bipartisan Concern
The Laken Riley Act has garnered diverse opinions within the state’s congressional delegation. Notably, while all three Republican congressmen from New Jersey—Christopher Smith, Jeff Van Drew, and Tom Kean Jr.—supported the act, several other Democratic representatives—such as Nellie Pou and Frank Pallone—opposed it. The bipartisan nature of support for the act highlights the contentious and varied perspectives regarding immigration reform.
Interestingly, after previously voting in favor of a similar bill, Gottheimer’s recent non-vote raised eyebrows. Although his spokesperson mentioned that he would have supported the current version of the bill if given the opportunity, the lack of participation in such a critical vote only intensified the scrutiny he faced from constituents and political adversaries alike.
Audible Voices from the GOP
Republican Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia seized the moment to criticize Sherrill and Gottheimer. “The Road to Drumthwacket is paved with flat squirrels who couldn’t make a decision,” she quipped, referencing the historic governor’s mansion. Her tongue-in-cheek comment reflects the frustrations felt by party members regarding the inability of Democrats to take a decisive stance on critical issues.
State Senator Jon Bramnick, a Republican gubernatorial candidate, emphasized the obligations of elected officials to prioritize their responsibilities to constituents over campaign considerations. “Campaign activities must be secondary to your voting,” he remarked, underlining that legislators must focus on their commitments to voters first and foremost, especially on contentious topics such as immigration.
Future Implications for Immigration Policy
Bramnick articulated a vision for a gubernatorial approach to immigration that adheres to existing laws. He noted the inadequacies of Congress in creating a viable path to citizenship while also stressing that states should not alter their immigration policies based on political sentiment. “If America doesn’t like the law, change it, but state-by-state shouldn’t change the law based on how they feel on the issue,” Bramnick stated, hinting at the complexities surrounding immigration reform and the necessity of a unified approach.
As the race for New Jersey’s gubernatorial seat heats up, both Sherrill and Gottheimer’s political careers may hang in the balance depending on how effectively they respond to the criticisms while also addressing the contentious issues surrounding immigration reform. Their choice to abstain from voting on the Laken Riley Act places them in a precarious position, forcing them to clarify their positions and potentially reshape their political strategies as they vie for the state’s highest office.
