New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill’s landslide victory in November triggered a crowded race for her seat in the 11th Congressional District, which includes parts of Essex, Morris, and Passaic counties.
Cammie Croft, a former deputy director of new media for President Obama, is one of two candidates from Montclair in the race. The other is Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill, a longtime resident.
Croft has lived in Montclair since 2021 and has also worked at FWD.US, a criminal justice and immigration reform advocacy organization. Montclair Local spoke with Croft about her priorities; the interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
Immigration & ICE
There has been an expansive and aggressive immigration enforcement push by President Donald Trump’s administration nationwide. In Minneapolis, ICE agents shot and killed two American citizens last month and there has been a massive upswell in opposition to ICE. Where do you stand on ICE?
“We should shut it all down,” Croft said. “It’s hard to come up with the words of the gross overreach of this government when they are executing us in the streets. And we see it with our own eyes, the use of our taxpayer dollars to do that.”
Croft emphasized the need for a legal, streamlined immigration process.
“Number one, there are people in this country who remain undocumented because there is no way for them to get documented. That is why you need a pathway to citizenship for folks who have DACA or TPS holders because there is no path. We are criminalizing those individuals right now. Heck, we are terrorizing those communities right now.”
“We need to modernize our immigration system, make it clear and concise and invest in legal counsel and support for families who are going through that process. And we need to stop arresting people when they are trying to do the very thing we’re asking them to do. That is what ICE is doing right now.”
“We want the world’s best and brightest here in America, building and creating and innovating with us. It’s part of what makes America great, our diversity. So our visa system, we need to modernize, and update that too, so the world’s best and brightest are still able to come here and build a family.
On his way out, former Gov. Phil Murphy vetoed two immigrant protection bills, including one that would have codified the Immigrant Trust Directive, which limits the assistance state, county and local law enforcement can provide federal immigration agents. Do you agree with codifying the Immigrant Trust Directive?
“I think we should codify it. And I am confused by former Governor Murphy’s actions in not doing so. At best, it seems tone deaf in a moment where we need to be using our state authority to protect New Jerseyans. All New Jerseyans.”
Affordability
What needs to be done to address the affordability crisis?
“One, we have to stop the corruption. As billionaire tax cuts are happening, and other maneuvering and decisions of our government are being made so that Trump and his family and billionaire donors can grow more enriched, we need to stop that corruption.
“Two, we need to stop these tariffs. It is some of the most idiotic economic policy we have ever seen. Small businesses are feeling such a pinch when it comes to these tariffs from both the rising cost of them and the uncertainty of them. One of our favorite spots, Pineapple Express just had to shut their doors because of increased costs and tariffs.
“Three, we have to reverse the cuts from the ‘Big Hateful Bill’ that passed this summer. And specifically, those cuts to healthcare. We need to reverse those cuts because people can’t afford all these increases in costs. We’re just going to see millions of Americans become unenrolled in any type of healthcare coverage.”
Energy & Climate
Energy affordability and sustainability are central to Croft’s platform. She supports initiatives to provide free solar panels and battery technology for residents who opt in, funded in part by closing corporate tax loopholes and reallocating a fraction of federal tax cuts. She also emphasizes holding utility executives accountable:
“If your utility rates go up, utility CEOs and executives should not be getting bonuses. That’s only fair.”
Croft said she would work in partnership with Gov. Sherrill to continue providing immediate relief for utility rates while investing in long-term clean energy solutions.
Montclair Schools Deficit
You have three children who are going through the Montclair public school system. The school district is vying with a nearly $20 million deficit, with a $17.6 million school tax vote next month.
Where do you stand on the deficit and solutions?
“I come to this as a lot of parents do. My kids are young. They’re ages 4, 5, and 11. They’re in preschool and elementary school. So we are in it for the long haul with our public schools. And like many of the parents here, I will do anything for my kids and make whatever investments I need for them.”
“So I’m absolutely inclined to vote to support additional funding for the schools. And with that said, I weigh that against being very nervous about what that means for further tax increases — already we pay very high taxes here — and what that might mean for some of our residents of fixed incomes.”
“It boggles my mind how we are in a position and a budget hole of this significance. I have built and run nonprofits, you have to put specific fiscal controls in place, or you lose your nonprofit license at your annual audit. So I am very concerned about not knowing or having the data and information of a forensic audit that gives us the detail that we need to truly diagnose how we got to this position.”
Why did you decide to run for this seat in Congress?
“I want to make sure that I’m leaving my kids the best world, that they can thrive in. And in this moment with this administration, our democracy is at stake. And after being in the direct line of fire of the destruction, I felt compelled to go where I could add the most value in this moment. And running to fight this administration and fight for our democracy and against the status quo that just isn’t working for so many of us, I felt very compelled to do that in this moment. And that’s why I’m running.”