New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill (D) declined to endorse New York City Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani during a forum on Friday, underscoring how some members of his party still see him as politically toxic. 

“I am not getting engaged in that race because I’m completely focused on New Jersey. I’m going to let the people of New York decide that race,” Sherrill said during a gubernatorial forum hosted by PIX11 News, adding voters weren’t asking her about her thoughts on the candidate. 

“People in New Jersey are constantly talking to me about affordability,” she said. “They’re talking to me about their cost, about electricity, about housing prices, etc., about healthcare. They’re worried about the freezing of Gateway Tunnel.” 

Anchor Dan Mannarino pressed her on the question again, noting the New York City mayoral race was becoming a national race — much like the one taking place for the race to succeed term-limited New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy. 

“Again, I’m focused on the New Jersey race, and that’s a New York race. I’m not registered to vote there. So I’m focused here,” she said. 

Sherrill’s sentiment isn’t that dissimilar from her previous statements, stating the New Jersey Democrat will leave the New York City mayoral race to New Yorkers, though her opponent has said she’s waffled on the issue. 

GOP gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli posted remarks she’s made in several interviews, indicating in one that she wouldn’t be weighing in while in another saying “if he’s the Democratic candidate, which it sounds like he is, I assume I will.” 

Mamdani told PIX11 News in August he “absolutely” supports Sherrill as she runs for New Jersey governor.  

Sherrill’s remarks on Friday come, though, as the decision over whether or not to endorse Mamdani has increasingly divided the party. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) last month announced she would be backing the democratic socialist while Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) have declined to offer their backing.  

Republicans have sought to make Mamdani’s candidacy a national issue, looking to tie him with vulnerable Democrats across the country running for reelection.