Newark, NJ – Mikie Sherrill was sworn in today as New Jersey’s first Democrat woman governor, but she is not the first New Jersey born woman to serve in that role. In fact, no woman born in New Jersey has yet to serve as Governor of New Jersey.
The only official Jersey Girl to serve as a governor of any state in America is Abigail Spangerger, the governor of Virginia. Ironically, while Spanberger is a Jersey girl, Sherrill is a Virginia girl.
Only in New Jersey.
Mikie Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot and four-term Democratic congresswoman, was sworn in Tuesday as the 57th Governor of New Jersey, marking a historic milestone in state politics and ushering in what she called a “new era” for residents across the Garden State.
The ceremony took place at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark around 10:30 a.m., where Sherrill, 54, took the oath of office alongside Lieutenant Governor Dr. Dale Caldwell. Sherrill becomes the first Democratic woman ever elected to lead New Jersey and only the second woman overall to serve as governor. Her inauguration also represents the first time in more than six decades that a political party has won three consecutive gubernatorial terms in the state.
Speaking to a packed audience that included state lawmakers, local officials, and national figures, Sherrill emphasized unity and affordability as the central pillars of her administration. “This is a new era for New Jersey—a time to make our state more affordable, more secure, and more united,” she said.
Her agenda focuses heavily on lowering living costs, expanding access to child care, and addressing what she called the “affordability crisis” impacting working families. Sherrill has also pledged to confront rising energy costs by declaring a state of emergency to freeze high utility rates—one of her earliest campaign promises.
The inauguration follows Sherrill’s decisive 14-point victory over Republican Jack Ciattarelli in November, a win she described as “a rejection of division and an affirmation of progress.” She succeeds outgoing Democratic Governor Phil Murphy, who reached the state’s two-term limit and left office earlier in the day after vetoing two high-profile immigration bills.
The day’s celebrations continued with an inaugural ball at the American Dream mega-mall in East Rutherford. During the ceremony, Sherrill took her oath using William Paterson’s original bound copy of the New Jersey Constitution, along with copies of the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.
In her remarks, Sherrill pledged to govern for all corners of the state, acknowledging both her Northern New Jersey base and the long-standing concerns of South Jersey communities.
Key Points: Mikie Sherrill sworn in as New Jersey’s first elected Democratic woman governor, promises ‘new era’ for the state – Newark
• Mikie Sherrill, 54, was sworn in as New Jersey’s 57th governor and the first elected Democratic woman to hold the office.
• Her priorities include tackling affordability, freezing high energy rates, and supporting child care.
• The inauguration marks Democrats’ third consecutive gubernatorial victory, the first time that has happened in over 60 years.