New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill did not comply with the White House's order to lower flags to half-staff in memory of the late Senator Lindsey Graham. Flags at the state capital in Trenton were still flying at full staff on Thursday afternoon.
State Senator Joe Pennacchio told Fox News Digital that Governor Sherrill is 'the most political governor I have worked with in the last 25 years.' Pennacchio said he made a formal request to lower the flags after Graham's death.
Pennacchio stressed that honoring figures like Graham should be nonpartisan, saying, 'My request was very respectful. It was not partisan at all.' He noted that Graham was a veteran who served in the U.S. Air Force for decades and took a bipartisan stance on critical votes.
Neighboring states Delaware Governor Matt Meyer and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro reportedly lowered flags to half-staff in compliance with the White House order. However, New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger also did not take this step, like New Jersey.
Democratic Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey released a video honoring Graham, describing their collaboration on criminal justice reform. Republican Representative Christopher Smith remembered Graham as 'a tireless warrior for the right to life and freedom.'
Pennacchio said, 'Our nation has long understood that when a public servant passes away after a lifetime of service, we should come together to honor them with dignity and respect. New Jersey should not be an exception.' Governor Sherrill's office did not respond to requests for comment.
