New Jersey Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rep. Mikie Sherrill was barred from walking with her graduating class at the U.S. Naval Academy in 1994 after being implicated in a large-scale cheating scandal, according to records obtained by the New Jersey Globe.

The records confirm that Sherrill’s name was not listed in the commencement program for the May 25, 1994, graduation ceremony.

The incident was tied to a scandal that involved approximately 130 midshipmen from her class.

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Sherrill addressed the matter in comments to the outlet, stating that her decision not to report other classmates was the reason she was blocked from participating in the ceremony.

“I didn’t turn in some of my classmates, so I didn’t walk, but graduated and was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Navy, serving for nearly ten years with the highest level of distinction and honor,” Sherrill said.

STOLEN VALOR: CBS expected to clear New Jersey Democrat gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill of claims she lied about her rank and missed graduations due to her role in the Naval Academy cheating scandal. Instead, because of an administrative error, the network received an… pic.twitter.com/VPOiNnscj8

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Although she was able to graduate and receive her commission, the congresswoman has refused to allow the release of her sealed disciplinary records from the academy.

Those documents would provide further details on her role in the incident and the specific reasons behind the disciplinary action taken against her.

The cheating scandal at the Naval Academy in 1994 was one of the largest in its history, drawing national attention at the time.

The investigation implicated more than 100 midshipmen, leading to disciplinary measures ranging from dismissals to restrictions on graduation privileges.

Sherrill was among those affected by the academy’s enforcement of its honor code during the scandal.

The revelation of her disciplinary history comes as Sherrill faces one of the most competitive gubernatorial races in the country.

After months of holding a steady lead in polling averages, a new survey released this week showed the congresswoman locked in a statistical tie with Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli.

The poll results mark a significant shift in momentum in the race, which has drawn national attention as Republicans look to build on gains made in New Jersey during the 2024 presidential election.

Ciattarelli, backed by President Donald Trump, recently received the endorsement of the New Jersey Fraternal Order of Police, further boosting his campaign.

Sherrill has not commented beyond her statement about refusing to turn in classmates during the Naval Academy scandal.

Her decision to block the release of her full disciplinary record leaves questions about the scope of her involvement unanswered as she campaigns for the state’s highest office.

The timing of the report and the new polling data has placed additional scrutiny on Sherrill’s candidacy in the final stretch of the race.

With New Jersey voters preparing to decide the governorship, both campaigns are expected to intensify their efforts in the weeks ahead.

The Naval Academy incident remains a pivotal point in Sherrill’s personal history, now resurfacing at a critical moment in her political career.

Whether the controversy over her graduation records will influence voter sentiment remains to be seen as the closely contested race continues to unfold.

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