Mikie Sherrill, the Democratic governor-elect of New Jersey, is not just a former Navy pilot and federal prosecutor; she is also a mother of four. Her life with her husband, Jason Hedberg, is a part of her public identity, often mentioned alongside her professional accomplishments.
While she maintains a clear boundary when it comes to her children’s privacy, some details about her older kids have recently entered the public sphere, intertwining with her political career in unexpected ways. The Sherrill-Hedberg family resides in Montclair, New Jersey, where they have lived since 2010.
The Sherrill-Hedberg Household
Mikie Sherrill and her husband, Jason Hedberg, have built a family of four offspring, two sons and two daughters. However, in line with her efforts to protect their privacy from the public spotlight, the names and ages of her two younger children are not disclosed in public sources. The limited information available primarily concerns her two eldest ones, who are now young adults.
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The two kids who have been part of recent news are Lincoln Hedberg and Margaret Hedberg. They are Sherrill’s son and daughter, respectively. While their exact ages are not published, the fact that they were appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy in 2025 indicates they are likely in their late teens. Their admission to the prestigious academy, which her daughter secured via a Navy preparatory program, became a topic of public discussion during the gubernatorial campaign.
Sherrill has often spoken about how being a mom influences her policy priorities. On the campaign trail, she has stated, “I’m the only mom in this race,” and has highlighted her plans to protect children online, improve education, and make New Jersey more affordable for families. She frames these issues not just as political objectives, but as personal commitments rooted in her experience raising her four little ones in the state.
Navigating Family in the Public Eye
New Jersey, it is the honor of my life to earn your trust to become this great state’s 57th Governor.
I promise to listen, lead with courage, and never forget who I serve. pic.twitter.com/gipM0fWnqF
— Mikie Sherrill (@MikieSherrill) November 5, 2025
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The 2025 gubernatorial race brought increased attention to Sherrill’s family, particularly regarding her older kids’ paths to the Naval Academy. Reports confirmed that both Lincoln and Margaret earned their appointments through nominations from New Jersey’s U.S. Senators, not through the process run by their mother’s congressional office. Sherrill stated this was a deliberate choice “to remove even the appearance of a conflict of interest.” Despite this, their admission sparked debate and accusations of nepotism from political opponents and critics online.
This episode highlights the challenge faced by political parents: balancing pride in their children’s achievements with the desire to shield them from public scrutiny. While Sherrill celebrates her kids’ accomplishments, she has also taken clear steps to separate her official role from their personal endeavors. Her approach demonstrates an effort to carve out a private space for her family, even as they navigate life in the public eye.
