TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Democratic U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill of New Jersey announced Monday that she is running for governor. She says it’s time to fix the state’s economy and make it more affordable.

Sherrill, a former federal prosecutor and U.S. Navy helicopter pilot, joins a crowded field of Democrats vying to succeed Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy, whose second term expires after next year’s elections. Murphy is no longer allowed to run due to term limits.

In a video announcing her flight, Sherrill introduced herself as a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and helicopter pilot and leaned on her military experience.

“I learned early on: in a crisis, the worst thing you can do is freeze,” she said. “You must choose to lead, follow or get out of the way.”

She further said in the video that the state’s economy needs to be fixed.

“Let’s make life more affordable for hardworking New Jerseyans, from health care to groceries to childcare,” she said. “These challenges are not new and it is time to confront them.”

Sherrill has represented the 11th District, which covers parts of Essex, Morris and Passaic Countiessince her election in 2018 during the midterms of President-elect Donald Trump’s first administration. Sherrill moved the district out of Republican control when former Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen retired and has since been re-elected three times.

Before being elected to Congress, she served as a prosecutor for the United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey. She served in the Navy from 1994 to 2003.

Sherrill joins the Democratic U.S. House of Representatives member Josh Gottheimerwho announced his run for governor last week.

Also seeking the Democratic nod are Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, teachers union president Sean Spiller and former Senate President Steve Sweeney.

Republicans are also lining up to run. They include Senator Jon Bramnick, former state lawmaker Jack Ciatarelli, former Senator Ed Durr and radio host Bill Spadea.

If Sherrill is forced to resign her seat in the House of Representatives, state law requires the governor to call a special election if the seat opens 70 days before the election.

New Jersey and Virginia are the only states running for governor next year.