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After Rep. Mikie Sherrill’s victory in New Jersey’s gubernatorial election Tuesday, Casino Employees Against Smoking Effects says it’s eager to work with the incoming administration to finally close the state’s casino smoking loophole.
In a statement congratulating the governor-elect, CEASE expressed confidence that Sherrill will make smoke-free workplaces, including Atlantic City casinos, a top priority when she takes office.
During Sherrill’s campaign, she defended the health and safety of casino workers in New Jersey.
Sense of urgency
The grassroots group, representing thousands of dealers and gaming employees, has led the charge to ban indoor smoking in casinos since it returned in July 2021.
CEASE now has to pivot to a new administration. However, Pete Naccarelli, a longtime Atlantic City dealer and CEASE co-founder, is eager to work with Sherrill:
“We congratulate Governor-elect Sherrill on her win and appreciate the opportunity we’ve had to discuss the urgent need to protect casino workers from secondhand smoke.
“Sherrill showed a willingness to listen and engage with us during her campaign, and we’re hopeful that as she takes office, she’ll stand with the tens of thousands of casino workers whose health depends on ending this outdated exemption.”
The organization said it had productive discussions with Sherrill’s campaign team ahead of Election Day, signaling what CEASE views as a promising foundation for collaboration.
Advocates are urging Sherrill to move quickly once in office to sign smoke-free legislation, ideally on her first day, and make New Jersey a leader in protecting casino workers from secondhand smoke exposure.
Sherrill has supported casino workers
While on the campaign trail, Sherrill advocated for casino workers. She told the Press of Atlantic City in June that she is “committed to protecting the health and safety of our casino workers throughout Atlantic City.”
Sherrill went on to add:
“It is unacceptable to force working families to make a choice between earning their paycheck and protecting their health, particularly given that we know lung cancer is the top cause of cancer deaths in New Jersey.
“Within this conversation, we also must focus on economic development within Atlantic City.”
It does not appear that Sherrill has ever supported a full smoking ban inside casinos, though.
In 2024, Politico gathered responses from gubernatorial candidates. At the time, Sherrill clearly wanted to find a compromise:
“I know there is ongoing work being done on compromise legislation, and I want to see a proposal that prioritizes employees’ health and also keeps good-paying jobs here in Atlantic City.
“We need to make sure Atlantic City’s tourism industry remains competitive – and their economy more vibrant – so I am committed to finding common ground to support these workers at a time when we know everyone is struggling to get by.”
Perhaps CEASE can persuade Sherill. She has been willing to engage with CEASE, Naccarelli said.
Poll shows voters are against smoking in casinos
CEASE emphasized that the issue has broad public backing. Polling cited by the group shows 83% of likely South Jersey voters support making casinos smoke-free, while 77% said they would view outgoing Gov. Phil Murphy more favorably if he had signed such a bill.
Another 79% said they would view their state legislator more positively for supporting the measure.
For CEASE members, Sherrill’s election represents what they see as a pivotal moment for Atlantic City’s workforce. After years of campaigning and legislative delays, Naccarelli believes that having a receptive governor could finally deliver results.
“We’re ready to work together to get it done. No one in New Jersey should have to choose between their health and a paycheck.”
