NEWARK, N.J. – Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill and Lt. Gov.-elect Dale Caldwell will be sworn into office at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, the incoming administration announced.
The inauguration ceremony will be held Jan. 20 at NJPAC, where Sherrill and Caldwell are expected to outline priorities for the new administration.
Sherrill said choosing Newark reflects her focus on listening to residents across the state and addressing issues such as affordability, education and government accountability.
“For more than a year, I’ve been up and down this state and am on a mission to deliver for all New Jerseyans — lower costs, a better future for our kids, and a more transparent and accountable state government,” Sherrill said in a statement. “I couldn’t be more honored to be sworn in as your next governor and begin my administration in the Gateway City.”
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Caldwell, a former founding executive director of the Newark Alliance, said the city holds personal and professional significance for him.
“Between my varied background as a pastor, educator and small business owner and Mikie’s history of service, we will bring a different kind of leadership to Trenton,” Caldwell said. “It’s an honor to come back to Newark to take my oath and start delivering for New Jersey.”
Sherrill’s first stop outside Trenton after winning the election was Newark, where she visited a local food bank to highlight her opposition to proposed cuts to food assistance programs by the Trump administration, according to her transition team. Her campaign also cited increased voter turnout in Newark, saying the city saw its highest participation in a gubernatorial election since 2005.
Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo Jr. welcomed the decision to hold the inauguration in the county, noting Sherrill will be only the second woman elected governor in New Jersey history.
“It’s exciting that this momentous occasion will be taking place here,” DiVincenzo said, calling NJPAC a showcase for Newark and Essex County.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka also praised the selection of the city and venue, calling Newark an appropriate setting for the swearing-in of the state’s next governor.
“As New Jersey’s largest city, Newark is an appropriate setting for such a momentous occasion,” Baraka said. “On January 20, it will showcase the city’s radiance for all the world to see.”