UPDATE: New Jersey’s Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill is poised to make history on January 20, 2024, when her inauguration takes place in Newark, a significant departure from the traditional venue in Trenton. This landmark event will mark only the second time in 235 years that a Garden State governor is sworn in outside the state capital, following former Governor Christie Whitman in 1998.
Sherrill’s victory over former Republican Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli was decisive, winning by nearly 15 points in the November election. The New Jersey Performing Arts Center will serve as the setting for this historic occasion, mirroring Whitman’s choice two decades ago. Sherrill, a former Navy pilot and Congresswoman since 2019, secured her position with strong backing from influential Democrats, including former President Barack Obama, who energized her supporters at a rally in Newark just days before the election.
“This is a moment for New Jersey to celebrate progress,” Obama declared, highlighting Sherrill’s potential as a transformative leader. As she prepares to take the reins from Phil Murphy, who made history as New Jersey’s first Democratic governor to win consecutive terms in over 40 years, Sherrill’s inauguration represents a fresh start for the state.
With Sherrill’s inauguration approaching, the eyes of New Jersey and beyond are on Newark. This moment not only marks a shift in tradition but also embodies a new chapter in the state’s political landscape. As the first female governor to take office in Newark, Sherrill’s leadership is expected to usher in significant changes and foster unity.
Stay tuned for more updates as this historic inauguration day approaches, and witness the beginning of a transformative era for New Jersey under Mikie Sherrill’s leadership.
