Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill will take the oath of office in Newark next month, breaking more than 200 years of tradition of Trenton-based inaugurations.
Sherrill’s inauguration is set for noon on January 20 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), making her the first elected governor since the 18th century to be sworn in outside the state capital. New Jersey governors have taken their oaths in Trenton since 1790.
The move places the spotlight on Newark and Essex County, Sherrill’s home base. The move reinforces a core theme of her campaign, that the government should meet people where they are. What better way to deliver on that promise than in New Jersey’s largest city.
“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, adding that leadership begins by listening and taking action. “I couldn’t be more honored to be sworn-in as your next governor and begin my administration in the Gateway City–and as governor, I will continue showing up for Newark, Trenton and all of New Jersey’s communities.”
Lieutenant Governor-elect Dr. Dale Caldwell, who will be sworn in alongside Sherrill, highlighted the symbolic meaning of returning to Newark for the ceremony.
“As the founding Executive Director of the Newark Alliance, I’m always excited to come back. I will also be forever grateful to the faith community in Newark that helped elect the first pastor to the office of Lt. Governor,” Caldwell said, adding that the new administration will bring a different kind of leadership to Trenton, centered on affordability, small businesses and community engagement.
The venue change is also partly for practicality. NJPAC seats about 2,800 people, larger than the Trenton War Memorial, which has hosted nearly every gubernatorial inauguration since the 1930s.
However, holding the ceremony in Newark makes it unlikely the State Senate will return to Trenton that day, meaning cabinet members are expected to begin in acting roles rather than receiving day-one confirmations.
Sherrill will become New Jersey’s second woman governor and its first Democratic woman to hold the office. The only other woman elected governor, Christine Todd Whitman, took her second-term oath at NJPAC in 1998 due to renovations in Trenton.
Local leaders praised the decision. Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. called it a milestone for the county, while Newark Mayor Ras Baraka said the city’s history and civic importance make it a fitting setting for the transfer of power.
Sherrill’s ties to Newark have been evident since the election. Her first stop as governor-elect was in the city, where she visited a food bank. Newark, a Democratic stronghold, delivered its highest gubernatorial turnout since 2005 leading up to her victory.
More details about the inauguration are expected to be released in the coming weeks. What we know now: New Jersey’s next administration will begin outside Trenton, and that’s by design.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.