Congratulations, Dr. Dale G. Caldwell: New Jersey's New Secretary of State and Lieutenant Governor
- Essex County Dems
- Dec 1, 2025
- 7 min read
Historic Appointment Brings Decades of Community-Driven Results to Critical State Role
Key Takeaways
✓ Historic Appointment: Dr. Dale G. Caldwell becomes New Jersey's first male Lieutenant Governor and third to serve simultaneously as Secretary of State
✓ January 20, 2026, Inauguration: Caldwell assumes both roles alongside Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill's inauguration
✓ Dedicated Leadership: 26 years on New Brunswick Board of Education, first Black USTA president, Centenary University president, and Methodist minister
✓ Secretary of State Duties: Oversees NJ elections, Division of Elections, arts and culture programs, small business services, tourism, and state archives
✓ Essex County, NJ Impact: Direct oversight of election services, enhanced civic engagement, cultural funding, and economic development opportunities for county residents
✓ Key Priorities: Strengthening democracy, supporting creative economy, expanding civic participation, and upholding election integrity across New Jersey
✓ Access Resources: Visit nj.gov/state for Department of State services or essexclerk.com for local Essex County election information
In a historic announcement that marks a new chapter for New Jersey governance, Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill officially appointed Dr. Dale G. Caldwell as New Jersey's new Secretary of State on December 1, 2025. Dr. Caldwell, who will also serve as New Jersey's fourth Lieutenant Governor, represents a groundbreaking moment in Garden State politics as the first male to hold the Lieutenant Governor position.
The announcement, made in Caldwell's hometown of New Brunswick, positions him as a key figure in the incoming Sherrill administration. "Dale has spent his entire career bringing people together and delivering results for his community," Sherrill stated. "His experience, integrity, and deep commitment to empowering every New Jerseyan make him the ideal leader to steward our democratic institutions and promote the cultural and civic vitality of our state."
This dual appointment continues a recent tradition in New Jersey government, where Caldwell becomes the third Lieutenant Governor to simultaneously serve as Secretary of State, following in the footsteps of Sheila Oliver, who served until her passing in 2023, and current Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way.
Who Is Dr. Dale G. Caldwell?
Dr. Caldwell brings an impressive and diverse background that uniquely qualifies him for this critical cabinet position. A third-generation Methodist minister, Caldwell currently serves as president of Centenary University and is the pastor of the Covenant United Methodist Church in Plainfield. His family's legacy of service runs deep—his father, Rev. Gilbert H. Caldwell, Jr., was a participant in the civil rights movement who marched in Washington in 1963, worked on voter registration drives in Mississippi in 1964, and participated in the historic March from Selma to Montgomery in 1965.
A Lifetime of Public Service
Dr. Caldwell's commitment to New Jersey communities spans decades:
26 years on the New Brunswick Board of Education, including six years as board president
First executive director of the Newark Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to economic development
In 2006, became the first Black president and CEO of the United States Tennis Association
Founder of the Black Tennis Hall of Fame
Chairman of the New Brunswick Housing Authority
Former assistant commissioner of the NJ Department of Community Affairs under Governor Jim McGreevey
His educational credentials are equally impressive: a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Princeton University, an MBA in finance from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and a Doctorate in Education Administration from Seton Hall University.
Understanding the Secretary of State Role in New Jersey
The Secretary of State serves as New Jersey's chief election official, heads the Department of State, and has authority over the Department of Archives and Records Management, which maintains the state's vital records. But the position's reach extends far beyond elections.
Key Responsibilities Include:
1. Election Administration and Democracy Protection The Secretary oversees the Division of Elections and serves as chair of the State Board of Canvassers, which certifies election results for federal and state offices and public questions. In today's political climate, ensuring secure, accessible, and fair elections has never been more critical.
2. Arts, Culture, and Historical Programs The Secretary oversees artistic, cultural, and historical programs and sets tourism policies in the state. This includes managing:
The New Jersey State Council on the Arts
The New Jersey Historical Commission
The New Jersey State Museum
Cultural preservation initiatives
3. Business Development and Economic Growth The Secretary oversees state small business services through the Business Action Center, helping entrepreneurs and companies navigate state requirements and access resources.
4. Tourism and Civic Engagement The role involves promoting tourism and civic participation, critical drivers of New Jersey's economy and democratic health.
5. Custodian of the Great Seal The Secretary serves as the keeper of the Great Seal of the State, a ceremonial but historically significant responsibility.
What This Means for Essex County, New Jersey
Essex County, home to Newark—New Jersey's largest city—stands to benefit significantly from Dr. Caldwell's appointment. His deep roots in the region and proven track record of community development position him to address key county needs.
Direct Impact on Essex County Residents:
Enhanced Election Services: Essex County's Board of Elections and County Clerk work closely with the state Division of Elections, which is overseen by the Secretary of State. Dr. Caldwell's leadership will ensure:
Continued access to vote-by-mail options
Support for early voting locations throughout the county
Resources for poll worker recruitment and training
Modern voting equipment and secure election processes
Essex County voters can access election information and services through:
Essex County Clerk: Christopher J. Durkin, 495 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Newark, NJ 07102 Website: https://www.essexclerk.com/
Essex County Board of Elections: Same address, Room 145, Phone: (973) 621-4921
Website:https://essexboardofelections.com/
Cultural and Economic Development Given Dr. Caldwell's background as founding executive director of the Newark Alliance and his commitment to economic development, Essex County's arts institutions, small businesses, and cultural organizations can expect:
Increased state support for local arts programs
Better access to small business resources and grants
Enhanced tourism promotion highlighting Newark and Essex County attractions
Funding opportunities through state cultural programs
Community Engagement and Civic Participation: Dr. Caldwell emphasized his commitment to "expand civic engagement, support our small business community, bolster our cultural institutions, and uphold the integrity of our elections. For Essex County, this means:
Targeted voter registration initiatives
Support for community service programs
Enhanced volunteerism opportunities
Stronger connections between the state government and local communities
A Trusted Partner in the Sherrill Administration
Governor-elect Sherrill has relied on Caldwell since selecting him as her running mate in July, praising his effectiveness as a campaigner and appointing him co-chair of her transition team. This trust signals that Dr. Caldwell will be a central figure in shaping the administration's priorities and policies.
"The Department of State plays a critical role in strengthening our democracy, supporting our creative economy, and ensuring New Jersey remains a vibrant place to live, work, and visit," Caldwell stated following the announcement. "I look forward to working with partners across the state to expand civic engagement, support our small business community, bolster our cultural institutions, and uphold the integrity of our elections."
Taking Office: What Happens Next
Dr. Caldwell will be sworn in as both Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State on January 20, 2026, alongside Governor-elect Sherrill. The arrangement follows the model established by the current Murphy administration, where Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way also serves as Secretary of State.
As co-chair of the gubernatorial transition team, Dr. Caldwell is already working to ensure the new administration hits the ground running. His first cabinet appointment sends a strong signal about the Sherrill administration's priorities: experienced leadership, community connection, and a commitment to strengthening New Jersey's democratic institutions.
Resources and More Information
Official State Resources:
New Jersey Department of State Website: www.nj.gov/state The official portal for all Department of State services, including elections, business services, arts and culture programs, and tourism information.
NJ Division of Elections Website: www.nj.gov/state/elections Your source for voter registration, election dates, polling locations, and vote-by-mail information.
NJ Voter Information Portal Website: vote.nj.gov Check your registration status, find your polling place, track your mail-in ballot, and access sample ballots.
NJ Business Action Center Website: www.nj.gov/state/bac Access resources for starting, operating, and growing a business in New Jersey.
NJ State Council on the Arts Website: www.nj.gov/state/njsca Information on arts funding, cultural programs, and creative economy initiatives.
Essex County Resources:
Essex County Clerk 495 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Suite 130 Newark, NJ 07102 Phone: (973) 621-4921 Website: www.essexclerk.com
Essex County Board of Elections 495 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Room 145 Newark, NJ 07102 Phone: (973) 621-5070 Website: www.essexboardofelections.com
Governor-Elect Sherrill Transition Website: www.nj.gov/govelect Follow the transition team's progress and upcoming announcements.
Essex County Democratic Committee Inc. Website: www.essexdems.org Follow to stay updated on verified information about registration, early voting, vote-by-mail, and Election Day guidance.
Looking Forward: A New Era of Service
Dr. Dale G. Caldwell's appointment as Secretary of State and Lieutenant Governor represents more than just filling a cabinet position—it's a commitment to experienced, community-focused leadership that understands New Jersey's diverse needs. His unique combination of education, business acumen, public service experience, and spiritual leadership positions him to be an effective advocate for all New Jerseyans.
For Essex County residents, Dr. Caldwell's deep understanding of urban challenges, economic development, and community building promises responsive leadership that recognizes the county's critical role in the state's success. His track record of bringing people together and delivering results offers hope for enhanced state-county collaboration and improved services for residents.
As we congratulate Dr. Caldwell on this historic appointment, we look forward to seeing how his leadership will strengthen New Jersey's democracy, support our cultural institutions, and empower communities across the Garden State. His swearing-in on January 20, 2026, will mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter in New Jersey governance.
Congratulations, Dr. Dale G. Caldwell—New Jersey's next Secretary of State and Lieutenant Governor!
HAVE YOU TAKEN THE GOVERNOR-ELECT, MIKIE SHERRILL, PUBLIC INTAKE SURVEY? If not, take it today. SURVEY
This blog post was published on November 24, 2025, by the Essex County Democratic Committee. For more information about getting involved in Essex County politics, visit essexdems.org or contact the committee via email info@essexdems.org
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