TRENTON — Mikie Sherrill’s selection of pastor Dale Caldwell as her running mate in the 2025 New Jersey gubernatorial race is drawing sharp criticism from members of the LGBTQ community, who cite concerns about anti-LGBTQ rhetoric in recent sermons from Caldwell’s church.
Caldwell, the senior pastor at Covenant House of God in New Brunswick, was officially named as Sherrill’s choice for lieutenant governor earlier this month. The announcement has sparked backlash online and among LGBTQ advocates, some of whom describe the church’s messaging as rooted in traditionalist language that they say marginalizes LGBTQ people.
“I’m LGBTQ, I’m from New Jersey, and I’m scared,” one New Jersey resident wrote in a widely circulated post. “I listened to his church’s most recent service. The language was that same coded, bigoted garbage that we’ve heard a thousand times.”
The service in question, which remains publicly available online, includes references to “traditional values” and other language that critics say has historically been used to oppose LGBTQ inclusion, even if not explicitly stated. The backlash underscores tensions within the Democratic Party as Sherrill attempts to unite a broad coalition in a state where progressives have increasingly expressed frustration over being sidelined.
“This Dale Caldwell pick feels like the last straw,” the same resident wrote. “There were better options. They existed. They just weren’t given a chance.”
“His religion only got rid of its bylaws banning LGBT clergy last year and he had no problem being a part of it. They’re still allowed to deny services and marriage to LGBT couples if they so choose even despite the rule change. I don’t support anyone that subscribed to a religion that discrimates against me. There are plenty of non denominational branches of Christianity that openly accepted LGBT people for decades that he chose not to join,” another posted.
Sherrill has not publicly responded to the criticism. Caldwell has not issued a statement addressing the sermon or his views on LGBTQ rights since joining the ticket.
“Garbage. Sherrill is going to cost us the election. Why the hell did people vote for her in the primary… %$*@& ridiculous,” another poster commented.
“Great, can’t wait for them to toss the trans community under the bus or just lose and get the same result. I’m at the point of not even bothering voting for dems anymore,” another said.
The campaign’s announcement of Caldwell, an education leader and community figure, was intended to emphasize experience and statewide appeal. But for many in the LGBTQ community, the choice has raised deeper concerns about representation, inclusion, and whether their rights and safety are being taken seriously in a shifting political landscape.
Other Democrats in the discussion said any Democrat is better than a Republican in Trenton, “And we still need to vote blue. Even if this guy is a total POS you aren’t going to persuade the Democrats by having them lose and letting Republicans win. It sucks, but this is why primaries and local elections are so important. Don’t wait for the next election. Build community now.”