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Governor Sherrill delivers remarks at her Inauguration: full speech
Mikie Sherrill delivers speech after she is sworn in as New Jersey's 57th governor.
NEW JERSEY - Mikie Sherrill was sworn in as New Jersey's 57th Governor on Tuesday.
Sherrill was sworn in as governor at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark.
Mikie Sherrill, governor of New Jersey, is sworn-in during an inauguration ceremony at Prudential Hall at New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, New Jersey, US, on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. Sherrill, 54, will replace Democratic Governor Phil Murp …
Sherrill's Executive Orders
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Gov. Sherrill declares State of Emergency on New Jersey utility costs
In her first action as Governor of New Jersey, Mikie Sherrill paused during her inauguration speech to sign an order declaring a State of Emergency on rising utility costs in the Garden State.
What we know:
Sherrill on Tuesday signed two executive orders declaring a state of emergency over rising utility costs and freezing electric rate hikes, acting on a key promise from her inaugural address.
The orders aim to provide immediate relief to ratepayers while accelerating in-state power generation to lower long-term electricity costs.
One order uses existing state funds to offset electricity bill increases expected to take effect in June and gives the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities authority to pause or modify utility actions that could further raise rates. It also directs the board to review utility business models to ensure they align with reducing costs for consumers.
The second order declares a state of emergency under the Disaster Control Act and seeks to rapidly expand power generation in New Jersey, citing the need to act quickly as federal support for energy production declines.
Administration officials said increasing in-state power generation is critical to lowering electricity costs for New Jersey residents over the long term.
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Mikie Sherrill's victory speech after winning NJ gov. race
Rep. Mikie Sherrill gives a victory speech after winning New Jersey's gubernatorial race.
Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda, Sr. announced several streets will be closed from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. due to the ceremony:
- Center Street from McCarter Highway to Mayor Kenneth A. Gibson Blvd.
- Mulberry Street from Raymond Blvd. to Center Street
- Rector Street from McCarter Hwy to Mayor Gibson Blvd.
- Fulton Street from Mayor Gibson Blvd. to Rector Street
- Park Place from Raymond Blvd. to Center Street
- East Park Street from Park Place to Mulberry Street
- Kitchell Street between East Park Street and Mulberry Street
Drivers are advised to anticipate delays and plan alternate routes.
Who is Mikie Sherrill?
Mikie Sherrill, governor-elect of New Jersey, during an inauguration ceremony at Prudential Hall at New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark, New Jersey, US, on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. Sherrill, 54, will replace Democratic Governor Phil Murphy, ma …
Dig deeper:
The governor-elect previously represented New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District. She's also a former federal prosecutor and U.S. Navy helicopter pilot.
Sherrill lives in Montclair with her husband and their four children.