Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill and Lieutenant Governor-elect Dr. Dale Caldwell will take the oath of office at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark, where they will outline their plan for New Jerseyans. An inaugural ball will take place later that night at the American Dream entertainment mall in the Meadowlands.
The black tie Gubernatorial Inaugural Ball will be held at American Dream’s ice rink and is expected to draw about 2,000 attendees. Proceeds from the $350 per ticket event benefit Mission to Deliver NJ, Sherrill’s nonprofit advocacy organization focused on affordability, economic development, and civic engagement.
Food and entertainment will showcase the diversity of New Jersey’s communities, featuring dishes from all 21 counties. The Sherrill inauguration will serve both Taylor Ham and Pork Roll.
“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. 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,” said Sherrill.
“I couldn’t be more honored to be sworn-in as your next governor and begin my administration in the Gateway City — and as governor, I will continue showing up for Newark, Trenton, and all of New Jersey’s communities,” she added.
Sherrill is the 57th Governor of New Jersey, and the second female. Dale Caldwell is the 4th Lt. Governor of New Jersey.
“As the founding Executive Director of the Newark Alliance, I’m always excited to come back. I will also be forever grateful to the faith community in Newark that helped elect the first pastor to the office of Lt. Governor. 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. 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,” said Lt. Governor-elect and Transition Chair Dr. Dale Caldwell.
What Is ‘Mission to Deliver New Jersey’
Mission to Deliver NJ, Inc. is a 501(c)(4) group focusing on educating the public about serving communities, economic development, and affordability, and advancing government in New Jersey refers to Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill’s transition slogan and platform, focusing on lowering costs, improving education, infrastructure, and healthcare for residents, while also reflecting broader state efforts in innovation, efficiency, and economic development, such as the Office of Innovation and Choose New Jersey’s initiatives. It’s about a commitment to tangible results and solving public problems for New Jerseyans.
- Cost Reduction: A central theme is addressing rising costs, especially utility expenses, through bold leadership and emergency actions.
- Education & Kids: Focus on better education and mental health/online safety for children.
- Infrastructure: Improving transportation, including airport and transit projects, and expanding housing opportunities.
- Government Efficiency: The New Jersey Office of Innovation (nj.gov/innovation/about/) works to solve public problems and deliver services more effectively.
- Economic Development: Initiatives like Choose New Jersey (nj.gov/state/njic-choose-nj-2020.shtml) conduct missions to foster business and academic partnerships.
Examples in Action:
- Sherrill’s Transition: Her transition teams are built around this mission, tackling energy, housing, and education.
- Public Health: The NJ Department of Health has a strategic plan to address health inequities, aligning with a mission to deliver better health outcomes.
- Technology: The NJ Office of Information Technology (NJOIT) aims to deliver efficient technology services to state agencies and citizens.
About American Dream Entertainment Mall
American Dream is one of the largest shopping malls in the nation. This will be the second gubernatorial inauguration in Bergen County.
Bergen County held a governor’s inaugural ball for the first time for Phil Murphy’s first term on January 16, 2018. The event was held in a heated tent on the field of MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. It was the first time the celebration was held in Bergen County. Murphy also held a delayed second-term inaugural ball in May 2022, also at MetLife.
