UPDATE: Mikie Sherrill will officially take the oath of office as New Jersey’s next governor on January 20, 2024, but in a groundbreaking move, the ceremony will be held at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark instead of the traditional location in Trenton. This decision breaks a 235-year tradition of gubernatorial inaugurations being held in the state capital.
The announcement was made in a prepared statement by Governor-elect Sherrill, who expressed her pride in holding the event in Essex County, where she and her family reside. “I couldn’t be more honored to be sworn in as your next governor and begin my administration in the Gateway City,” Sherrill stated. “As governor, I will continue showing up for Newark, Trenton, and all of New Jersey’s communities.”
This historic ceremony marks the first time a first-term gubernatorial inauguration has been held outside of Trenton since 1790. The last governor to take the oath in a different location was William Livingston in Princeton. The NJPAC, which boasts a capacity of 2,800 seats, is significantly larger than the Patriots Theater at Trenton’s War Memorial, which has hosted inaugural events since 1932.
Sherrill’s choice to hold her inauguration at NJPAC is notable, as the venue was previously used for the inaugaration of former Governor Christine Todd Whitman in 1998 due to renovations at Trenton’s War Memorial.
Sherrill and her husband, Jason Hedberg, have called Montclair home since 2010 and are raising four children. Her inauguration will occur just one day after her 54th birthday on January 19.
Local officials have expressed their enthusiasm for the ceremony. “It is such an honor that Gov-Elect Mikie Sherrill has chosen to be sworn into office in her home county of Essex,” said Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. “NJPAC is a state-of-the-art entertainment mecca and destination, and it will be an excellent opportunity to display all that Newark and Essex have to offer.”
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka echoed these sentiments, stating, “As New Jersey’s largest city, Newark is an appropriate setting for such a momentous occasion, bringing to bear its history of immigration, diversity, and shared democratic values. On January 20, NJPAC will showcase the city’s radiance for all the world to see.”
This inauguration represents a significant shift in tradition and highlights Sherrill’s commitment to engaging with all communities across New Jersey. Her administration aims to address pressing issues such as lowering costs and promoting a more transparent state government.
As the date approaches, residents and supporters are eager to witness this unprecedented event that not only marks a new chapter for Sherrill but also for the future of New Jersey governance.
Stay tuned for more updates as plans unfold for this historic inauguration event!
