The National Archives and Records Administration’s inspector general has concluded that the release of New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill’s largely unredacted military records during the 2025 governor’s race was due to human error, not political intent. This finding ends months of speculation about a coordinated effort to harm Sherrill’s campaign by Republican allies.
The investigation was initiated after CBS News revealed that Sherrill’s military personnel file, including sensitive information such as her Social Security number, home addresses, life insurance details, performance evaluations, and a nondisclosure agreement, was improperly released to Nicholas De Gregorio, an associate of Sherrill’s Republican opponent, Jack Ciattarelli. Though the request was submitted correctly under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), an Archives technician failed to adhere to required protocols and released the documents without the necessary higher-level review reserved for members of Congress.
The Archives technician, who has since retired to avoid termination, admitted the mistake was likely caused by distraction and not focusing fully on the task. Following the error, supervisory staff recommended removal for neglect of duty. The Archives has since implemented additional training and stricter procedures for handling sensitive and FOIA requests to prevent similar incidents.
During the campaign, Sherrill and other Democrats had raised concerns suggesting coordination between Ciattarelli’s team and Trump administration allies to damage Sherrill politically, amid resurfaced questions about her involvement in a 1994 Naval Academy cheating scandal. Sherrill ultimately won the election. However, the inspector general’s report found no evidence of political motivation behind the disclosure.
Sherrill’s spokesperson criticized the investigation’s findings, calling the self-investigation by the Trump administration “not credible,” and highlighted that the records included unlawful exposure of personal information. Meanwhile, Ciattarelli’s legal representatives affirmed that the campaign had done nothing wrong and urged Sherrill to release further information about the Naval Academy matter.
The National Archives inspector general’s inquiry reaffirms that the improper release stemmed from a bureaucratic oversight rather than a coordinated political attack.
Why it matters
This report clarifies the nature of the data breach involving a candidate’s military records in a high-profile election, emphasizing the importance of strict protocol adherence by government agencies in handling sensitive personal information. It also dispels partisan claims of political manipulation related to the release, potentially influencing trust in federal record-keeping and electoral fairness.
Background
The incident unfolded during the 2025 New Jersey gubernatorial campaign, which featured Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli. Sherrill faced questions over her past linked to a Naval Academy cheating scandal but maintained she was not accused of cheating herself. The unauthorized release of her military file drew national attention, with both campaigns exchanging accusations and legal threats.
The National Archives oversees the preservation and disclosure of federal records, including military personnel files, under laws such as the Privacy Act of 1974 and FOIA. Proper handling of such requests requires multiple layers of review, especially when the request concerns current or former members of Congress or those running for office.
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