Although election season may be over, preparations are already underway for 2025’s Gubernatorial race in New Jersey.
With both the GOP and the Democrats fancying their chances – the former perhaps more so given the major shift towards the Republicans [1] earlier this month – prospective candidates are already launching their campaigns.
One Democrat who’s thrown their hat into the ring is Mikie Sherrill, the House Rep. for New Jersey’s 11th District. Having just defeated Republican Joseph Belnome by nearly 15 points, Sherrill clearly has a fondness for campaigning and, on Monday, Nov. 18, announced [2] her candidacy for next year’s Gubernatorial election.
In the 2021 New Jersey gubernatorial election [3], Democrat Phil Murphy won with 51.22% of the vote to Jack Ciattarelli’s 48%.
Sherrill’s military experience is a key part of her campaign, which also features a blue and yellow logo akin to the Ukrainian flag. One day after announcing her candidacy, Sherrill explained her military background, claiming that her grandfather flew Boeing B-52 bombers in the Second World War.
However, there’s an obvious problem.
The B-52 was never used in WW2; in fact, it didn’t even exist.
As the name suggests, the B-52 took its maiden flight [4] in 1952 – some seven years after the conclusion of the Second World War – and was used by the United States Air Force from 1955.
My grandfather, Bill, was a B-52 bomber pilot in WWII and flew missions over occupied France. He was shot down and rescued by the Free French. After hearing his stories as a kid, it became my dream to fly, just like him. pic.twitter.com/HiEPNxVJik [5]
— Mikie Sherrill (@MikieSherrill) November 19, 2024 [6]
Social media users were keen to point out this false claim.
The B52 came out in 1952.
— EducatëdHillbilly™ (@RobProvince) November 19, 2024 [7]
You’re a Prime example of why we need a better education system in our Military Academy’s, dimwit
— Beard Vet (@Beard_Vet) November 19, 2024 [8]
you might want to get your facts straight. Probably was a B-24 or B-17
— Reap3r 🇺🇸 (@CryptoSmall) November 19, 2024 [9]
Sherrill later corrected this claim, arguing that she meant the B-24. Many were still unconvinced…
Sorry guys, a typo after a long day! He was a B-24 pilot and his service continues to inspire me every day.
— Mikie Sherrill (@MikieSherrill) November 19, 2024 [10]
I always type “52” when I mean “24.”
Sit down, liar.
— Culper’s Canteen Cup (@culperscanteen) November 19, 2024 [11]
How is b-52 and b24 a typo
— elton (@oil_field_4life) November 19, 2024 [12]
Very inspirational. My grandfather flew an F-16 in the Civil War.
— Not Napier’s Fault (@Gatorboltz) November 19, 2024 [13]
If you enjoyed this article, check out WokeSpy [14] for more like it.