Mikie Sherrill is officially New Jersey’s 57th governor.
Immediately after being sworn in on Tuesday, the former congresswoman indicated her administration would be laser-focused on lowering costs, modernizing government, and protecting families across the Garden State.
Sherrill’s early agenda signals an aggressive push for immediate relief and long-term reform. Here’s what the new governor says will define her policy as governor.
Freezing Utility Costs and Expanding Energy Supply
A key pillar of her campaign, one of Governor Sherrill’s first actions is declaring a State of Emergency on Utility Costs, immediately freezing rate hikes that have financially plagued New Jerseyans.
Her administration also plans to cut red tape that delays energy projects, fast-track permits to increase power supply, and advance new energy generation and battery storage—each aimed at easing costs around the edges.
Sherrill has promised greater transparency and accountability from utility companies and the regional grid operator, PJM.
Overhauling Trenton to Make Government Work Better
Sherrill is targeting state government itself, promising a more responsive and results-driven approach in Trenton.
State agencies will be directed to adopt a customer service mindset, modernize outdated systems, and deliver faster, more predictable permitting and licensing. The goal, the governor says, is to save residents time and money while restoring a government that works for them, not in spite of them.
Protecting Kids’ Mental Health and Online Safety
Addressing what she calls a growing youth mental health crisis, Governor Sherrill is taking aim at social media and Big Tech.
Her plans include pushing for an Age Appropriate Design Code, creating a Social Media Addiction Research Center, upholding bell-to-bell school cell phone restrictions signed into law under Murphy, and expanding mental health support in schools.
Sherrill did not hold back, pledging to hold tech companies accountable for the harms they cause to children.
Fully Funding Schools and Strengthening Education
Sherrill aims to maintain New Jersey’s position as a top education state in the nation, pledging a commitment to fully fund public schools statewide.
Her agenda includes expanding early literacy programs, investing in evidence-based instruction, strengthening mental health services in schools, and growing job training and pathways that lead to high-paying careers.
Standing Up to Washington for New Jersey
The new governor was not shy about her differences with the president. She made clear her intention to challenge federal actions that cut state funding and shift costs onto residents.
Her administration plans to implement state-level solutions to protect residents from federal cuts to healthcare, education, and infrastructure funding.
“We see a President illegally usurping power. He’s unconstitutionally enacted a tariff regime to make billions for himself while everyone else’s costs go higher. Here we demand people in public service actually serve the public instead of extorting money to benefit themselves & their cronies, she said during her address.
Lowering Housing Costs and Expanding Homeownership
With housing costs squeezing families across the state, Sherrill plans to take an abundance approach by cutting red tape to accelerate home construction—particularly for workforce and “missing middle” housing.
She will also expand down-payment assistance and first-time homebuyer programs while encouraging smart development near transit and job centers to make renting and buying more affordable for the average family.
Mikie Sherrill Hits the Ground Running
Politics aside, Governor Mikie Sherrill’s Day One agenda signals a decisive break with the status quo.
The proof, however, is in the pudding: as Sherrill takes office in Trenton, New Jersey residents will be watching closely to see how—and if—her priorities translate into action.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.