Mikie Sherrill was sworn in as New Jersey’s 57th governor at a ceremony held at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark. Sherrill, 54, is a former Navy helicopter pilot and federal prosecutor. She becomes the state’s second female governor and the first female Democrat to hold the office. Her election marks the first time in six decades that one party has won three consecutive gubernatorial races in New Jersey.
Sherrill faces significant challenges, including high living costs, an energy crisis, rising housing prices, and a budget gap. In her inaugural address to more than 2,000 attendees, she stated: “Let me tell you plainly what my administration stands for: lowering costs; taking care of our kids; and making the government accountable to the people. As we get to work charting our success, I have listened to you, and I have heard you.”
During her speech, Sherrill signed two executive orders aimed at addressing energy issues in the state. The first order allows the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to pause new requests for utility rate increases with the intention of freezing rate hikes. The second order directs the Board to solicit proposals for new solar and storage power generation while modernizing gas and nuclear facilities to reduce long-term utility costs.
“This is just the beginning,” Sherrill said. “We are going to take on the affordability crisis, and we are going to shake up the status quo. … I want you to know that I will be fighting for you. And I hope, New Jersey, you remember me when you open your electric bill and it hasn’t gone up another 20%. I am going to spend every minute trying to make New Jersey more affordable and open doors to opportunity across our state.”
She also emphasized her commitment to government transparency and efficiency by pledging real-time application tracking for permits, plain-language budgets, a public report card for state programs’ performance, and tools for monitoring spending over time.
“Under this administration, agencies will be judged by results, not rhetoric,” Sherrill said. “We will work to make government more transparent. We will work to save you time and money. You may not agree with every decision we make, but you will know why we made it.”
Michele Siekerka, President and CEO of NJBIA (New Jersey Business & Industry Association), commented: “Throughout her campaign, and even preceding it during her time in Congress, Gov. Mikie Sherrill has shown a much-needed willingness to work with the business community and to give our job creators a more even playing field from which to compete. We have been heartened by her transition team’s engagement with NJBIA and the business community since the election in November. While we know we will not always agree on every issue, having an open dialogue with this administration and a mutual understanding of the importance of business to New Jersey’s economy is a great foundation from which to build on. It also makes for better governance.”
The oath was administered by State Supreme Court Chief Justice Stuart Rabner using William Paterson’s bound copy of several foundational documents—one of only 13 known copies—which was held by Jason Hedberg, Sherrill’s husband.
Referencing American history as part of her remarks on leadership during America’s 250th anniversary year in 2026, Sherrill said: “New Jersey has been at the heart of our American story… On the heels of a horrible war, they narrowed in on those two things that they felt their countrymen had fought and died for: Liberty and Prosperity.”
Dale Caldwell was sworn in as lieutenant governor alongside Sherrill—the first African-American man and first pastor in that role—and echoed themes about restoring trust in government institutions.
“We must also restore trust in the institutions of our democracy that serve the public. For too many people, the government feels like an obstacle rather than a partner,” Caldwell said. “The status quo is not working… That is why our administration is focused on lowering costs, supporting small businesses and expanding opportunity for every resident.”
This inauguration marked only the second time since 1790 that it took place outside Trenton; typically inaugurations are held at Patriots Theater at War Memorial.
Sherrill’s political career began after military service followed by legal work as both an associate at Kirkland & Ellis LLP in New York City and later as an assistant U.S. Attorney for New Jersey before entering Congress representing New Jersey’s 11th district starting with her win in 2018.
Her victory over Republican Jack Ciattarelli followed wins over five challengers—including major city mayors—in a Democratic primary earlier last year.
Tonight she plans an Inaugural Ball at American Dream mall’s ice-skating rink with proceeds benefiting Mission to Deliver NJ.
