The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert NJ Gov.-Elect Mikie Sherrill (Extended)
Dec 6, 2025
Mikie Sherrill, former U.S. Representative, and Navy helicopter pilot, shares insights as New Jersey's governor-elect. She highlights how New Jersey sends $70B more to the federal government each year, giving her leverage in negotiations. Sherrill also delves into balancing cooperation with the Trump administration while opposing harmful actions. On a lighter note, she recounts the hilarious story of delivering her second child in a taxi, where her husband's two-word contribution became legendary!
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State Fiscal Leverage Over Federal Government
- New Jersey sends about $70 billion more to the federal government than it receives back each year.
- Mikie Sherrill sees that fiscal imbalance as leverage to push federal performance or reclaim funds for state programs.
Dual Role Of State Leadership
- Governors can both push for federal cooperation and publicly oppose harmful policies.
- Sherrill frames state leadership as simultaneously collaborative and confrontational when federal performance falters.
Use Legal Pressure To Protect State Funds
- Use legal challenges and withholding to compel federal agencies to run mandated programs.
- Mikie Sherrill intends to take the federal government to court and claw back or withhold funds if programs fail.
