Working Together for Mikie Sherrill
New York Groups Join Forces in New Jersey
By Sally Greenspan and Molly Harris
If New Jersey elects a Republican governor on November 4, it could send big shockwaves across the country — especially in nearby New York. That idea fired up grassroots activists in New York and inspired our two groups, Downtown Women for Change (DWC) and Downtown Nasty Women Social Group (DNWSG), to team up and take action. Together we have tapped into different networks, mailing lists, and audiences to help the New Jersey candidate for governor, Mikie Sherrill, with on the ground, face-to-face voter engagement.
About Us
Since 2016, DWC has worked throughout New York state to support the election of Democratic women to offices ranging from local reps to governor. Teaming up with sister groups, we have hosted fund raisers and driven GOTV efforts. And each year, the DWC’s States Project adopts another state into its giving circle to support local election needs.
DNWSG also started in 2016. This tiny but mighty group of women and moms, who met as volunteers with the Hillary Clinton campaign, has worked passionately to become local Democratic club leaders, experts in GOTV, Substack writers, mentors, podcast guests, leaders in organizing protests, fundraising and more.
How We Moved Forward for Mikie
DWC and DNWSG recently reached out to Democrat Mikie Sherrill’s campaign, hoping to hand out literature at New Jersey commuter hubs. Connecting with Nick Djerassi, Deputy Organizing Director for the Sherrill campaign, we were on our way!
First, we got a list of potential volunteers from the amazing Vote Blue Bus GOTV operation. Last year this Vote Blue initiative sent canvassers to swing Congressional districts in New York and Pennsylvania. This year, our call for help went out through the large Vote Blue email list, social media, and the newsletters of DWC, DNWSG, Markers for Democracy, Team Min, and The Wednesday Group (sister groups to DNWSG). We also reached out to Village Independent Democrats, Downtown Independent Democrats, The Buddy Group and other grassroots groups and leaders.
Armed with a cavalry of volunteers, we canvassed PATH (Port Authority Transit Hubs) in NYC to meet New Jersey residents on their way home from work. Face-to-face, we discussed voting for Mikie Sherrill and the complete Democratic ticket. Our volunteers also traveled to Hudson County and knocked on doors in Jersey City and Hoboken.
Voters Respond
The response was enormously positive. People thanked us for our presence. Many assured us of their support for Mikie, and others were eager to learn more. Some were even surprised to learn that Mikie is a woman! We also discussed the importance of making sure their friends and family vote.
We experienced some good deep engagement. One commuter we spoke with had just become a citizen and will be casting his first vote in November. He was grateful to learn more about Mikie and share thoughts and questions.
We also had a chance to convert a few Republicans by discussing the Gateway Project (a series of infrastructure projects, including the Hudson Tunnel Project, to improve rail service along the busiest section of the Northeast Corridor). People are outraged about Trump’s recent claim that the Gateway Project, already approved and underway, is “terminated.” This is a hot button issue. At this moment, infrastructure is a priority, especially in the NY/NJ backyard.
The New Jersey governor’s race is one of the most consequential elections of 2025, and living next door to it gives New Yorkers the chance to maximize the power of grassroots volunteers. The key to turning out hundreds of volunteers was the collaboration between DWC and DNWSG, two groups that understand the strength of tapping into their different networks, mailing lists, and audiences. While this has not been the first time these groups have joined forces, it will also not be the last.
About the Authors
Sally Greenspan is a Member of the Board of Directors of Downtown Women For Change.
Molly Harris is a Co-founder of Downtown Nasty Women Social Group.
Photo credits: Photos provided by the authors
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Fantastic work you are doing for this incredibly important and tight race. A must win for Dems. Great use of your collective organizing skills. Thank you from a Jersey girl!
Thank you Molly! Your advocacy and energy is inspiring!