National Archives Launches Inquiry into Allegations of Political Misconduct in New Jersey Gubernatorial Race

National Archives Launches Inquiry into Allegations of Political Misconduct in New Jersey Gubernatorial Race

The Acting Inspector General of the National Archives, Will Brown, has initiated an investigation regarding the unauthorized disclosure of Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill’s unredacted military records. These records were allegedly shared with an associate of her Republican rival, Jack Ciattarelli.

As Sherrill openly accuses the Trump administration of orchestrating illegal actions against her candidacy for governor, a representative from the National Archives and Records Administration has stated that the release of the records was a mistake attributed to an employee at the National Personnel Records Center, located in St. Louis.

“We have launched an internal inquiry to determine how and why standard operating procedures were not adhered to. Furthermore, we have requested that the National Archives inspector general conduct a formal investigation,” a National Archives spokesperson informed Fox News Digital. “While we investigate, we find no evidence suggesting that the release was intentional either by the employee or the individual who requested the records. Though mistakes are uncommon, they do occur as our center processes over 6,000 requests daily.”

Despite this explanation, Sherrill has been steadfast, asserting that the release was deliberate. The House Oversight Committee’s Democrats confirmed the inquiry on Tuesday, describing it as an investigation into potential illegal interference by the Trump administration in the New Jersey gubernatorial election.

Gubernatorial Race Heats Up as Allegations Intensify

In her response to the ongoing investigation, Sherrill charged, “Jack needs to fully cooperate with investigators and disclose the extent of his campaign’s involvement in this illegal act.”

Chris Russell, a spokesperson for the Ciattarelli campaign, countered Sherrill’s claims on Tuesday, suggesting that she should stop dodging responsibility and disclose her own disciplinary records.

“The level of desperation displayed by the Sherrill campaign is evident,” Russell stated. “They are blatantly misrepresenting this internal investigation by the National Archives, attempting to divert attention from the burgeoning indication that Congresswoman Sherrill is not being truthful about the circumstances surrounding her graduation denial. Her hesitation to provide her disciplinary records raises concerns over what she is attempting to conceal from New Jersey voters.”

Sherrill reacted fiercely, stating, “The unlawful disclosure of my military records to my political opponent is not only an assault on me; it also undermines every veteran who has served this country. New Jersey deserves leaders who safeguard our rights, not those who violate the law for political gain.”

According to the Ciattarelli campaign, a friend of Ciattarelli, Nicholas De Gregorio, submitted a lawful Freedom of Information Act request concerning Sherrill’s military background. This request was made independently and not as part of the campaign.

The National Archives disclosed that the breach came to light on September 22, after the technician inadvertently released Sherrill’s military records while acting on a Freedom of Information Act request submitted on June 30.

Officials from the National Archives emphasized that the technician who responded to De Gregorio’s request should not have released the entire record, which included sensitive personal information such as her Social Security number. The agency has since apologized for the breach and committed to ensuring accountability among its staff.

Sherrill has attributed the breach to what she describes as the Trump administration’s weaponization of federal agencies for political ends. However, the technician involved in this incident is not a political appointee, according to the National Archives.

Impending Election Amplifies Stakes

With just weeks remaining before Election Day, this unfolding controversy surrounding the National Archives has further intensified what is already a highly competitive race for the governorship of New Jersey. Current Governor Phil Murphy, who is term-limited, will be stepping down, aiming to pass the baton to his successor.

A recent Fox News poll revealed that Sherrill maintains an eight-point lead over Ciattarelli among likely voters, standing at 50 percent to his 42 percent. Among a broader sampling of registered voters, Sherrill leads by seven points, with figures of 48 percent to 41 percent. These margins rest precariously close to the error threshold.

Democrats were quick to ascribe blame for the National Archives breach to the Trump administration as the news broke last week. Former Representative Abigail Spanberger, currently Virginia’s Democratic gubernatorial candidate, described the violation as a disgraceful act against the nation’s servicemembers.

In tandem, the Democratic National Committee condemned the Trump administration for purportedly allowing this breach to occur, despite assertions from a National Archives official identifying a low-level employee as the individual accountable for not adhering to standard protocols.

“The Trump administration’s decision to disclose unredacted military files to an opponent’s campaign, complete with Social Security details, represents a continued pattern of weaponizing the federal government for political agendas,” stated DNC Chair Ken Martin, calling the situation a shameful scandal indicative of the contempt Trump and Ciattarelli hold for the American military.

Contributions to this report were provided by Fox News’ Dana Blanton.