Commending Rebecca Michelle Sherrill

Commending Rebecca Michelle Sherrill.
Agreed to by the Senate, February 12, 2026
WHEREAS, Rebecca Michelle Sherrill, a native of Alexandria and a former helicopter pilot in the United States Navy, became the first female veteran to serve as a governor of any state when she took office as the 57th governor of New Jersey in 2026; and
WHEREAS, Michelle “Mikie” Sherrill was born in Alexandria and attended South Lakes High School in Reston from 1986 to 1990; and
WHEREAS, Mikie Sherrill was inspired by her grandfather's experiences as a veteran of World War II to pursue opportunities to serve the nation in uniform, and she earned a bachelor's degree from the United States Naval Academy in 1994 as part of the first graduating class of women eligible for combat roles on ships and aircraft; and
WHEREAS, Mikie Sherrill subsequently completed flight training and fulfilled a lifelong dream to become a pilot when she was designated as a naval aviator flying the Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King; and
WHEREAS, Mikie Sherrill conducted missions in Europe and the Middle East over the course of nine years, rising to the rank of lieutenant commander; she served as a flag aide to the deputy commander of the United States Atlantic Fleet and was a Russian policy advisor to the commander-in-chief of United States Naval Forces Europe and Africa, among other assignments; and
WHEREAS, after her honorable military service, Mikie Sherrill earned a law degree from the Georgetown University Law Center, then worked in the litigation department of the firm Kirkland & Ellis before joining the United States Attorney's Office as an outreach and reentry coordinator and later serving as a federal prosecutor with the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey; and
WHEREAS, desirous to be of further service, Mikie Sherrill ran for and was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 2018; she represented the residents of New Jersey's 11th Congressional District and provided her expertise to the House Committee on Armed Services and the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party; and
WHEREAS, in 2025, Mikie Sherrill was elected as governor of New Jersey, becoming only the second female governor of the state and making history as the first female veteran elected as a governor of any state; and
WHEREAS, over the course of her career, Mikie Sherill has exemplified dedication to duty and integrity in public service, emphasizing the importance of building strong, safe communities and inspiring others to pursue opportunities for servant leadership; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate of Virginia, That Rebecca Michelle Sherrill hereby be commended on the occasion of her election as governor of New Jersey; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Rebecca Michelle Sherrill as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's admiration for her achievements and legacy of service to the United States.