Listen to this articleThe basics:
- Mikie Sherrill will be sworn in as New Jersey’s 57th governor in Newark
- The Jan. 20, 2026, inauguration will be held at NJPAC, not Trenton
- Move breaks more than 235 years of New Jersey gubernatorial tradition
- Essex County turnout played a key role in Sherrill’s election win
In a break from more than 235 years of tradition, Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill will not take the oath of office in the state capital of Trenton – but instead in Newark on Jan. 20, 2026.
The transition team announced Dec. 18 that the inauguration of Sherrill and Lt. Gov-elect Dale Caldwell will take place at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in the Brick City.
Newark reported its highest turnout in a gubernatorial election since 2005 and helped deliver Sherrill’s decisive election win in November. Essex County is also Sherrill’s home county.
“For more than a year, I’ve been up and down this state and am 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,” said Sherrill, who will become New Jersey’s 57th governor. “Leadership means listening to the people about what keeps them up at night – and we will start my administration the same way we won this race, by listening and taking action for the people I serve.”
The inauguration takes place at noon Jan. 20.
Since 1790, all New Jersey governors have taken the oath of office in Trenton. The last not to do so was Gov. William Livingston. Since 1932, every inauguration for a first-term governor has taken place at the Patriots Theater at the War Memorial in Trenton, which seats about 1,000 fewer attendees than NJPAC.
Out of the Gate(way City)
Caldwell was the founding executive director of the Newark Alliance and said he is always excited to go back to Newark.
“I will also be forever grateful to the faith community in Newark that helped elect the first pastor to the office of Lt.-gov. Between my varied background as a pastor, educator, and small business owner and Mikie’s history of service, we will bring a different kind of leadership to Trenton,” said Caldwell. “Together, we will lower costs, support our small businesses, and stand up for the rights of all New Jerseyans. It’s an honor to come back to Newark to take my oath and start delivering for New Jersey.”
Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. described it as an honor that the inauguration will take place in Essex County.
“The gov.-elect is just the second woman in the history of our state to be elected governor and it’s exciting that this momentous occasion will be taking place here,” said DiVincenzo. “NJPAC is a state-of-the-art entertainment mecca and destination, and it will be an excellent opportunity to display all that Newark and Essex have to offer.”
Ready to host
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka echoed those sentiments, saying it is a high honor for Newark to be selected as the host of the inauguration.
“As New Jersey’s largest city, Newark is an appropriate setting for such a momentous occasion, bringing to bear its history of immigration, diversity, and shared democratic values,” said Baraka. “As the crowning jewel of our downtown district, NJPAC always shines bright – but on Jan. 20, it will showcase the city’s radiance for all the world to see.
