The National Archives and Records Administration has issued an apology to Democratic New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill after accidentally releasing sensitive details from her military personnel file. The breach, described as exceedingly rare, occurred in response to a Freedom of Information Act request. Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot, highlighted concerns about veterans' privacy in her response.
In a statement released on [date from source, but since not specified, omit specific date], the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) acknowledged an error that exposed personal information from U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill's military records. Sherrill, a Democrat representing New Jersey's 11th congressional district and a potential contender for the state's 2025 gubernatorial race, served as a Navy helicopter pilot before entering politics.
The incident stemmed from a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, during which NARA inadvertently disclosed sensitive details including Sherrill's Social Security number, home address, and other personal data from her service file. NARA described the mistake as an 'exceedingly rare' occurrence, emphasizing that such breaches are not typical in their handling of military records.
'NARA deeply regrets this error and is implementing additional safeguards to prevent any future lapses in protecting individuals' privacy,' the agency stated in its official apology. The organization confirmed the breach was isolated and not indicative of broader systemic issues.
Sherrill responded promptly, underscoring the gravity of the violation. 'As a veteran, I know firsthand how critical it is to safeguard the personal information of those who have served our country,' she said. 'This breach not only affects me but raises serious questions about the security of veterans' data across the board.' Her comments reflect ongoing debates about data privacy in government records, particularly for military personnel whose files contain unique sensitive elements.
The event unfolds amid Sherrill's rising profile in New Jersey politics. As a moderate Democrat with a military background, she has been positioning herself as a strong candidate in the crowded field for governor, where issues like affordability and public safety are dominating discussions. While the breach does not appear politically motivated, it adds a layer of scrutiny to her campaign preparations.
NARA's quick apology and commitment to preventive measures aim to mitigate fallout, but the incident serves as a reminder of vulnerabilities in federal record-keeping systems. For Sherrill, it provides an opportunity to advocate for stronger protections, potentially resonating with veteran communities in New Jersey.