Basking Ridge Advocate Sherry Nelson Joins Kean for State of the Union

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Basking Ridge resident Sherry Nelson joined Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) as his guest for President Trump’s 2026 State of the Union Address on Tuesday night. Nelson was seated in the House Gallery during the speech. Each member of Congress is invited to bring one guest to the annual address.

"Sherry is a respected and steady presence in our community. Her work to improve opportunities for those with special needs and disabilities has touched countless lives, said Kean. "She is incredibly dedicated to strengthening her community and connecting her neighbors, and I am honored to have her join me as my guest at President Trump's State of the Union.”

Nelson is the mother of two sons with autism.

"I know personally how important it is that individuals with special needs and disabilities are cared for and that they have every opportunity to be valued members of our community. Every family deserves the peace of mind that critical programs and services will be there for their loved ones," said Nelson.

Nelson has championed disability rights for more than two decades. She is the former Co-President of the Bernards Parents for Exceptional Children, a local nonprofit.

Currently, Nelson is working with Bernards Township leadership and the Somerset Hills YMCA to expand recreational programming for disabled adults. She is also advocating for housing and employment opportunities for disabled adults.

Nelson is a supporter of Kean’s efforts to introduce federal legislation to establish the nation’s first ombudsman for people with disabilities. While in the New Jersey State Senate, Kean sponsored legislation creating the state’s ombudsman office for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As a member of the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus in Congress, Kean is working to model this type of office at the federal level.