Mikie Sherrill Inaugurated as New Jersey’s 57th Governor/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Democrat Mikie Sherrill was sworn in as New Jersey’s 57th governor, becoming the second woman to hold the office. In her inaugural address, she condemned President Trump’s tariff policies and immediately froze rising utility rates through executive order. Sherrill’s win marks the first time in over 60 years that Democrats have secured a third consecutive gubernatorial term in the state.
Sherrill’s Inauguration: Quick Looks
- Mikie Sherrill becomes New Jersey’s 57th governor
- Second woman to lead the state, after Christine Todd Whitman
- Sherrill replaces Democrat Phil Murphy after two terms
- In her speech, she criticized Trump’s tariffs as unconstitutional
- Signed two executive orders: utility rate freeze and energy expansion
- Took oath on a historic Constitution copy from NJ’s first governor
- Ceremony held in Newark, a key city in her coalition
- Military helicopter flyover and artillery salute included in inauguration
- Democrats hold trifecta control in NJ government
- Her win is part of broader Democratic momentum ahead of midterms
Deep Look: Mikie Sherrill Sworn in as New Jersey Governor, Immediately Acts on Utility Costs
NEWARK, N.J. — In a historic ceremony Tuesday, Mikie Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot and four-term congresswoman, was sworn in as New Jersey’s 57th governor, vowing to challenge President Trump’s economic policies and bring immediate relief to residents facing rising living costs.
Sherrill, 54, is now only the second woman in state history to hold the governor’s office and the first Democrat to lead New Jersey into a third consecutive term since 1961. She succeeds Phil Murphy, the two-term Democratic incumbent.
“We see a president illegally usurping power,” Sherrill said in her address. “He has unconstitutionally enacted a tariff regime to make billions for himself and his family, while everyone else sees costs go higher and higher.”
Day One: Executive Orders on Utility Rates and Energy
Wasting no time, Sherrill signed two executive orders during her inauguration:
- A statewide freeze on utility rates, which have surged in recent months
- An order to expand electricity production, including investment in solar and nuclear energy sources
“Here, we demand people in public service actually serve the public,” she declared, making it clear her administration would prioritize affordability and energy independence.
Historic Symbolism and Newark Focus
Sherrill took the oath of office in Newark, the state’s largest and most diverse city, which played a pivotal role in her election victory. She was sworn in using a copy of the U.S. Constitution owned by New Jersey’s first governor, linking her administration to the state’s founding values.
“New Jersey was born out of revolution,” Sherrill said, quoting grievances from the Declaration of Independence and comparing Trump’s actions to the tyranny the Founders opposed.
Unlike previous inaugurations held in Trenton with ceremonies along the Delaware River, Tuesday’s event brought the spotlight directly to urban voters, reflecting the coalition that powered her double-digit win.
From Murphy to Sherrill: Progressive Continuity
Sherrill inherits the office from Governor Phil Murphy, a progressive Democrat and former Obama ambassador who ushered in sweeping changes during his eight years:
- Raised taxes on millionaires
- Expanded early childhood education
- Fully funded the state pension system
- Boosted the minimum wage
Murphy, speaking in his final press conference, praised Sherrill and said he had maintained regular communication with her throughout the transition.
“We were who we said we would be,” Murphy said. “We didn’t campaign on my thesis and pull a fast one.”
Still, Sherrill may face challenges as she inherits a swollen state budget and unfunded property tax relief promises.
Blue Momentum in the Midterms
Sherrill’s win — along with Abigail Spanberger’s victory in Virginia — signals potential Democratic momentum heading into the 2026 midterm elections, with party leaders hopeful that Trump’s controversial policies, including on Greenland, tariffs, and trade, will become a liability for GOP candidates.
The Democratic trifecta in New Jersey — controlling both legislative chambers and the governorship — gives Sherrill significant political leverage to enact her agenda quickly.
Breaking Barriers and Making History
Sherrill’s ascension follows in the footsteps of Christine Todd Whitman, a Republican and the first woman to lead New Jersey, who later served as EPA Administrator under President George W. Bush.
The state’s governorship has long swung between the parties, but Sherrill’s election marks a major shift, delivering Democrats a third straight victory — a rare occurrence in modern state politics.
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