Democrat Mikie Sherrill was sworn in as New Jersey’s 57th governor on Tuesday, using her inauguration speech to condemn President Donald Trump. The former Navy helicopter pilot and four-term congresswoman is the second woman to lead the state of nearly 9.5 million people.
Sherrill, who defeated her Trump-endorsed Republican opponent by blaming the president’s tariffs for rising costs, promised to freeze skyrocketing utility rates as her first act in office. During her speech, she signed two executive orders: one declaring a freeze on utility rates and another aimed at establishing new sources of electricity production, including solar and nuclear power.
Drawing a parallel between Trump and King George III, Sherrill quoted the Declaration of Independence and said, “We see a president illegally usurping power… He has unconstitutionally enacted a tariff regime to make billions for himself and his family, while everyone else sees costs go higher and higher.” She took the oath on a copy of the Constitution owned by New Jersey’s first governor.
Sherrill succeeds two-term Democrat Phil Murphy, who delivered on progressive promises including tax rises for high earners and increased minimum wage. Murphy noted he had been in regular contact with Sherrill about the transition, adding, “We were who we said we would be.”
She becomes the first person from a major party to win a third consecutive gubernatorial term in over 60 years, and will work with a Democrat-led legislature. The ceremony included a military gun salute and helicopter flyover, a departure from previous inaugurations held in Trenton.
