Mikie Sherrill will be inaugurated as New Jersey’s next governor on January 20, 2024, at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark, marking a significant departure from a 235-year tradition of holding such ceremonies in Trenton. The announcement was made by Governor-elect Sherrill on Thursday, revealing her intention to take the oath of office alongside newly elected Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell in a location close to her home in Essex County.
In her prepared statement, Sherrill expressed her honor at being sworn in as governor and emphasized her commitment to serve all communities in New Jersey. “I couldn’t be more honored to be sworn in as your next governor and begin my administration in the Gateway City,” she said. Sherrill’s remarks highlighted her focus on addressing the needs of residents across the state: “For more than a year, I’ve been up and down this state 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.”
This inauguration is notable as it is the first first-term gubernatorial inauguration to occur outside of Trenton since 1790. At that time, William Livingston took the oath in Princeton. According to a report from NJ Globe, the NJPAC, which has a seating capacity of 2,800, was chosen partly for its larger size compared to the Patriots Theater at Trenton’s War Memorial, where inaugurations have traditionally been held since 1932.
The NJPAC has previously hosted a gubernatorial inauguration in January 1998, when Governor Christine Todd Whitman was sworn in for her second term, due to renovations at the Trenton venue.
Sherrill, who resides in Montclair with her husband Jason Hedberg and their four children, will celebrate her 54th birthday a day before the inauguration. Her decision to hold the ceremony in Newark has garnered positive reactions from local leaders.
“It is such an honor that Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill has chosen to be sworn into office in her home county of Essex,” stated Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. “The Governor-elect is just the second woman in the history of our state to be elected governor. It’s exciting that this momentous occasion will be taking place here.”
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka echoed this sentiment, recognizing the significance of the event for the city. “It is a high honor for our city to be selected to host the inauguration of Mikie Sherrill,” he said. Baraka noted Newark’s rich history of immigration and diversity, asserting that the NJPAC would showcase the city’s vibrancy during the inauguration.
As the inauguration approaches, Sherrill’s commitment to listening to the people remains a focal point of her administration. She stated, “Leadership means listening to the people about what keeps them up at night. We will start my administration the same way we won this race, by listening and taking action for the people.”
The shift in location for the inauguration symbolizes a new chapter for New Jersey, as Sherrill prepares to lead the state with a focus on community engagement and accountability.
