New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill is facing criticism after state flag status records indicated that flags at the Capitol remained at full-staff, contrary to 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.
State Sen. Joe Pennacchio, R-Boonton, told Fox News Digital that Sherrill's administration, only six months into her term, is "probably the most political governor I’ve served with in the last 25 years." Pennacchio formally requested the governor lower the flags earlier this week following Graham's death.
A New Jersey Department of State website tracking flag status also indicated "all flags full-staff" on Thursday. Sherrill's office did not respond to multiple requests for comment. She appeared to be among a handful of Democratic state leaders who did not issue orders to lower flags.
Neighboring Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro reportedly ordered flags lowered, along with leaders in California, Colorado, and Maryland. However, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger also did not appear to issue half-staff orders, as their states' official flag statuses remained "full-staff" as of Thursday.
Pennacchio stated that honoring figures like Graham should transcend partisanship, citing Graham's respected public service, his decades of service in the U.S. Air Force, and his bipartisan approach on key votes, such as the confirmations of Supreme Court Justices Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor. "My request was very respectful. It wasn’t partisan at all," Pennacchio said, noting Sherrill is also a veteran.
He recalled Graham's emphasis on setting politics aside during important moments, referencing the South Carolinian senator's defense of his cross-party confirmation votes, stating his advise-and-consent role was to assess a nominee's qualifications regardless of party affiliation. Pennacchio, who served in Congress when Sherrill represented his former state Senate district, expressed hope for bipartisanship with the governor, citing their past collaboration on constituent services.
Sherrill's decision also contrasted with the actions of another prominent New Jersey Democrat, Sen. Cory Booker, who recorded a video honoring Graham. Booker recalled how Graham, as a freshman senator, was advised by Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Ill., that Graham would be a cooperative bipartisan colleague on criminal justice reform. Booker recounted approaching Graham, who initially joked about needing to navigate a competitive primary in South Carolina but later fulfilled his promise.
"True to his word, [Graham] rolled up his sleeves and he went to work," Booker said, highlighting their collaboration that led to the passage of the First Step Act. Pennacchio commended Booker's gesture, 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 Shore and the state's longest-serving congressman, also spoke out following Graham's passing. "Lindsey Graham was an indefatigable and courageous fighter for the right to life, human rights, liberty and freedom," Smith said. "He was articulate and persuasive and brought both incisive candor and humor to debate. He was a national treasure and will be deeply missed."
Pennacchio emphasized the tradition of national unity in mourning, stating, "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. New Jersey should not be the exception."