New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill is facing criticism after state flag records indicated that flags remained at full-staff, despite a White House proclamation directing U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff in remembrance of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. The directive was in effect until Saturday evening.
State Sen. Joe Pennacchio, R-Boonton, described Sherrill's administration as "probably the most political governor I've served with in the last 25 years." Pennacchio formally requested the governor lower the flags following Graham's death.
According to a Trenton source and a New Jersey Department of State website, flags at the Capitol remained at full-staff as of Thursday midday. Sherrill's office did not respond to multiple requests for comment. She appears to be among a handful of Democratic state leaders who did not issue half-staff orders, a group that also reportedly includes the governors of Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and California.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger also did not appear to issue such orders, with their states' official flag status listed as "full-staff." Fox News Digital reached out to both governors for comment.
Pennacchio emphasized that honoring individuals like Graham should be nonpartisan. He noted Graham's respect as a public figure, a decades-long U.S. Air Force veteran, and someone who demonstrated bipartisanship, particularly in key Supreme Court confirmation votes for Justices Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor. Pennacchio stated his request to lower the flags was respectful and not partisan, acknowledging Sherrill is also a veteran.
He recalled Graham’s own words about the importance of setting politics aside, referencing the South Carolinian senator's explanation that his advise-and-consent role on nominations was to assess a nominee's qualifications irrespective of party.
During her time in Congress, Sherrill represented Pennacchio’s state Senate district. He expressed hope for bipartisanship with Sherrill, citing positive collaboration on intergovernmental constituent services.
Sherrill's decision contrasted with actions taken by other prominent New Jersey Democrats. Sen. Cory Booker recorded a video honoring Graham, recalling how Graham, as a freshman senator, was advised by Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Ill., that Graham would be a collaborative colleague on criminal justice reform. Booker recounted a humorous exchange with Graham about campaign pressures in South Carolina and Graham's eventual commitment to work on reform after the election, which led to the passage of the First Step Act.
Pennacchio commended Booker's action, stating, "Senator Booker is as partisan as they come, but he did the right thing and put his partisanship aside. The death of one diminishes a little bit of all of us."
Rep. Christopher Smith, a Republican representing New Jersey's 4th congressional district and the state's longest-serving congressman, also spoke out. He described Graham as "an indefatigable and courageous fighter for the right to life, human rights, liberty and freedom," adding that Graham "brought both incisive candor and humor to debate" and was "a national treasure."
Fox News Digital also contacted Sen. Andy Kim, D-N.J., for comment on the situation.
"Our nation has long understood that when a public servant passes away after a lifetime of service to the American people, we come together and honor them with dignity and respect," Pennacchio said. "New Jersey should not be the exception."