Mikie Sherrill's Historic Win: What Essex County Voters Need to Know About Jersey's Governor-Elect
- Essex County Dems
- 4 days ago
- 10 min read
Key Takeaways
Mikie Sherrill won the 2025 New Jersey gubernatorial election with 56% of the vote, defeating Republican Jack Ciattarelli by a landslide margin.
Essex County set a record, with voter turnout surging over 30% compared to 2021, backing Sherrill by more than 30 points.
Inauguration Day is January 20, 2026 – the third Tuesday in January, when Sherrill becomes New Jersey's 57th governor.
Lieutenant Governor-elect Dale Caldwell leads the transition team alongside Executive Director Kellie Doucette.
Sherrill resigned from Congress, triggering a special election for her NJ-11 House seat, which represents parts of Essex, Morris, and Passaic counties.
The transition period involves appointing cabinet members, crafting the state budget, and preparing policy initiatives before taking office.
A Historic Win for Mikie Sherrill, New Jersey, and Essex County
On November 4, 2025, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill made history by winning the New Jersey governor's race, securing a decisive victory that marks a pivotal moment for the Garden State and particularly for Essex County voters. Sherrill's win breaks a six-decade trend, making this the first time since 1961 that one party has won the governorship for three consecutive terms. She will also become New Jersey's second female governor and the first Democratic woman to hold the office.
Essex County's Crucial Role in the Victory
Essex County played a pivotal role in Sherrill's landslide victory. The county, which includes Newark, Montclair (Sherrill's hometown), and 20 other municipalities, saw voter turnout surge by more than 30% compared to the 2021 gubernatorial election. Essex County voters backed Sherrill by more than 30 points, demonstrating strong Democratic enthusiasm and engagement across the region.
The historic win and turnout were part of a broader coalition that Mikie Sherrill built across New Jersey's three most densely populated counties: Essex, Hudson, and Union. All of these counties experienced similar increases in voter turnout and decisively supported her. In Essex County, this surge was achieved by a strategic team led by Akeem Cunningham, the regional campaign director for Sherrill. This victory signifies a commitment to addressing key local concerns, such as affordability, energy costs, and the protection of rights and freedoms.
Understanding the Transition: What Happens Before Inauguration Day
Many voters wonder: "What happens between Election Day and when the new governor actually takes office?" Understanding this transition process helps voters know when to expect action on the issues that matter most to their communities.
The Transition Timeline
November 4, 2025 (Election Day) → Mikie Sherrill wins the gubernatorial election
November 5, 2025 → Sherrill meets with Governor Phil Murphy to begin the transition process
November 5-January 20, 2026 → Transition period where the governor-elect prepares to assume office
January 20, 2026 → Inauguration Day, when Sherrill officially becomes New Jersey's 57th Governor
What Happens During the Transition Period?
The gubernatorial transition is a critical time when the governor-elect prepares to lead New Jersey on Day One. Here's what Essex County voters should know about this process:
1. Building the Transition Team
Governor-elect Sherrill has already announced her transition leadership:
Lieutenant Governor-elect Dale Caldwell serves as Chair of the Gubernatorial Transition Team
Kellie Doucette serves as Executive Director of the transition team
Meet the rest of the Transitional Team here:
Dr. Caldwell, who most recently served as President of Centenary University, brings extensive experience in education, business, and community development. He will oversee the strategic direction of the transition to ensure the Sherrill-Caldwell administration is ready for action on Day One. Kellie Doucette, who has senior leadership experience in finance, healthcare, government, and nonprofits, leads the operational aspects of the transition.
2. Appointing the Cabinet and Key Officials
As one of the most powerful governors in the nation, New Jersey's governor appoints the entire cabinet, subject to confirmation by the New Jersey Senate. This includes approximately 15 executive branch department heads, such as:
Commissioner of Education
Commissioner of Environmental Protection
Commissioner of Health
Commissioner of Transportation
Attorney General
Secretary of State
The governor also appoints leadership for key agencies, including:
NJ Transit
New Jersey Turnpike Authority
Casino Control Commission
Board of Public Utilities (crucial for addressing energy costs)
These appointments matter to Essex County residents because they determine who will lead on issues like public education in Newark and other districts, environmental protection, healthcare access, and the public transportation systems many residents rely on daily.
3. Crafting the First State Budget
The governor-elect and her team must prepare the FY 2027 state budget, typically presented to the Legislature in February. This budget will reflect the administration's priorities and directly impact Essex County through:
State aid to local school districts
Infrastructure investments
Public safety funding
Healthcare and social services
Economic development initiatives
4. Developing Policy Initiatives
During the transition, the administration develops policy proposals to implement campaign priorities. Sherrill's stated Day One priorities include:
Freezing utility costs to address energy affordability
Joining lawsuits against federal tariff policies that raise costs for New Jersey families
Protecting healthcare access for over 450,000 New Jerseyans
Supporting public transit: Gateway Tunnel project & NJ Transit updates
How Essex County Voters Can Participate
Governor-elect Sherrill has created opportunities for Essex County residents to engage in the transition:
Official Transition Website: www.nj.gov/govelect
Through this portal, residents can:
Apply for positions in the administration
Share policy ideas on improving the state government
Join transition committees focused on specific issues
Stay updated on announcements and appointments
Meet Lieutenant Governor-Elect Dale Caldwell
Lieutenant Governor-elect Dale Caldwell will make history as New Jersey's first Black male lieutenant governor when he takes office on January 20, 2026. The Reverend Dale Caldwell brings a unique combination of experience:
President of Centenary University (2023-present) – the university's first Black president
Pastor at Covenant United Methodist Church in Plainfield
Former Deputy Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs
New Brunswick School Board member for 26 years
Civil rights legacy – son of the late Rev. Gilbert Caldwell, who marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
As lieutenant governor, Caldwell will work alongside Governor Sherrill to lead the administration and can assume gubernatorial duties if the governor is unable to serve. His deep roots in education, community development, and public service position him to be an effective advocate for Essex County's diverse communities.
Congressional Seat Transition: What Happens to NJ-11?
Governor-elect Sherrill currently represents New Jersey's 11th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. This district includes significant portions of Essex County, as well as parts of Morris and Passaic counties. Essex County voters will need new representation in Congress; it’s important to understand the process of filling this seat.
The Resignation Process
November 13, 2025: During her final House floor speech, Sherrill announced she would submit her letter of resignation
Resignation Date: November 20, 2025
Result: Once Sherrill resigns, the seat becomes officially vacant, and Governor Phil Murphy has the authority to call a special election.
Special Election Date: Primary & General Election: February 5, 2026 & April 6, 2026
Why Resign Early?
Sherrill could have remained in Congress until Inauguration Day on January 20, 2026. However, by resigning approximately two months early, she accomplishes several goals:
Accelerates the special election timeline, ensuring voters get new representation sooner
Allows complete focus on transition preparations without congressional duties
Enables the special election to occur in early 2026, possibly before the June primary season
The Special Election Process
Under New Jersey law, when a congressional seat becomes vacant, the governor must declare a special election with specific timelines:
Special Primary Election: 70-76 days after the governor's declaration
Special General Election: 64-70 days after the special primary
This means Essex County voters in the 11th District will have the opportunity to choose their new representative relatively quickly.
Who's Running to Replace Sherrill?
Multiple candidates have already announced their intentions to run for Sherrill's seat, including several with strong Essex County ties:
Democratic Candidates Include:
Brendan Gill – Essex County Commissioner from Montclair, endorsed by Governor Phil Murphy
Tom Malinowski – Former U.S. Representative (NJ-07, 2019-2023) and Obama administration official
John Bartlett – Passaic County Commissioner
Cammie Croft – Former Obama administration staffer from Montclair
Dean Dafis – Maplewood Committeeman and former Mayor
Jeff Grayzel – Morris Township Committeeman
And several others
The 11th District, which Sherrill flipped from Republican control in 2018, has become significantly safer for Democrats following redistricting. Sherrill won re-election in 2024 with 56.5% of the vote.
What Essex County Municipalities Are in NJ-11?
Essex County municipalities in the 11th Congressional District include:
Belleville
Bloomfield
Cedar Grove
Fairfield
Glen Ridge
Livingston
Maplewood
Millburn
Montclair (part)
North Caldwell
Nutley
Roseland
South Orange
West Caldwell
If you live in one of these municipalities, you'll vote in the special election for Sherrill's replacement.
The Swearing-In: Inauguration Day Details
Date: January 20, 2026
Location: Traditionally held at the Trenton War Memorial
Significance: The third Tuesday in January following a gubernatorial election
On Inauguration Day, Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill will take the oath of office, which the New Jersey Constitution prescribes.
At 12:01 PM on the official inauguration date, all powers, duties, and responsibilities of the governorship legally transfer to Governor Sherrill. At that moment, she becomes:
Commander-in-Chief of the New Jersey National Guard
Head of the Executive Branch overseeing all state departments and agencies
Holder of appointment power for cabinet positions, judges, and prosecutors
Chief executive with authority to sign or veto legislation
Lieutenant Governor-elect Dale Caldwell will be sworn in alongside Governor Sherrill.
What Happens After Inauguration: Understanding the Governmental Timeline
Essex County voters often ask: "When will I see action on the issues that matter to me?" Understanding the governmental process helps set realistic expectations.
Immediate Actions (First Days)
Governor Sherrill has indicated several Day One priorities. These are actionable items the transition team will be focusing on:
Declaring a State of Emergency on Energy Costs to Freeze Utility Bills
Joining Lawsuits to Fight Federal Tariff Policies
Beginning work on protecting healthcare access
Saving You Time and Money: Getting Government to Work for New Jerseyans
Kids Mental Health and Online Safety
Lowering Housing Costs and Expanding Homeownership
Transportation and Infrastructure Innovation
Fiscal Responsibility and Government Accountability
Delivering a Strong Education for New Jersey Children
Jobs, Opportunity, and Prosperity for All
Affordable Healthcare: Addressing Washington’s Medicaid Cuts
Driving New Jersey Forward: Economic Development and Innovation
First Weeks and Months
February 2026: The Governor presents her first state budget to the Legislature
Spring 2026: Legislative session where bills are debated and passed
July 1, 2026: New fiscal year begins with the enacted budget
Understanding the Legislative Process
Even with a new governor, policy changes require time because:
Budget development takes months of planning and negotiation
Legislation must pass both houses of the New Jersey Legislature
Implementation requires coordination across state agencies
Federal partnerships may be needed for some initiatives
However, the governor has significant executive authority to:
Issue executive orders
Direct state agency priorities
Appoint leaders who share the administration's vision
Use the bully pulpit to advocate for change
How Sherrill's Win Affects Essex County Specifically
Essex County voters should understand the direct impact of having Mikie Sherrill as governor:
Local Representation and Advocacy
As a Montclair resident representing parts of Essex County in Congress since 2019, Sherrill has deep knowledge of local issues:
Energy affordability – Essex County has been hit hard by rising utility costs
Public transportation – Many Essex County residents rely on NJ Transit for commutes to New York City
Education funding – Urban districts like Newark and suburban districts need adequate state support
Economic development – Creating opportunities across diverse Essex County communities
Strong Essex County Support
The Essex County Democratic Committee endorsed Sherrill during the primary with 438 votes, demonstrating strong organizational support. Essex County leaders who backed her include:
Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr.
Essex County Clerk Christopher J. Durkin
Essex County Commissioners (all members endorsed)
Numerous mayors and local officials from across the county
This strong local support means Essex County has direct access and relationships with the incoming administration.
Addressing Trump Administration Challenges
Sherrill's victory is seen as a rejection of President Trump's policies, which is particularly relevant for Essex County because:
New Jersey is involved in 33 lawsuits against the Trump administration
Federal funding cuts could impact Essex County programs
Immigration enforcement actions affect diverse Essex County communities
The Trump administration threatened Gateway Tunnel funding
Governor Sherrill has pledged to fight federal overreach and protect New Jersey's interests, which directly benefits Essex County residents.
Essential Resources for Essex County Voters
Stay informed about the transition and your new state government through these official resources:
State Government Resources
Governor-Elect's Transition Website: www.nj.gov/govelect
Submit policy ideas
Apply for positions
Get transition updates
New Jersey Office of the Governor: www.nj.gov/governor
Official announcements
Executive orders
Press releases
New Jersey Legislature: www.njleg.state.nj.us
Track legislation
Find your representatives
View committee hearings
New Jersey Division of Elections: www.nj.gov/state/elections
Voter registration
Election information
Special election updates
Essex County Democratic Resources
Essex County Democratic Committee: www.essexdems.org
Local Democratic news and updates
Community events
Get involved in opportunities
The Essex County Democratic Committee has been a strong supporter of Governor-elect Sherrill since her first congressional campaign in 2018. Visit their website for:
Updates on local Democratic initiatives
Information about district leaders in your community
Ways to stay engaged in Essex County politics
Essex County Government: www.essexcountynj.org
County services
County executive updates
Local resources
News Sources
New Jersey Monitor: newjerseymonitor.com
In-depth state government coverage
Transition updates
NJ Spotlight News: www.njspotlightnews.org
Policy analysis
Government accountability reporting
The Jersey Vindicator: jerseyvindicator.org
Independent New Jersey journalism
Montclair Local: montclairlocal.news
Coverage of Sherrill's hometown and Essex County
Social Media
Follow Governor-elect Sherrill for direct updates:
Twitter/X: @MikieSherrill
Instagram: @MikieSherill
Facebook: @MikieSherrillforNewJersey
Official transition announcements through nj.gov/govelect
The Road Ahead: What to Expect
Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill faces both opportunities and challenges as she prepares to lead New Jersey. For Essex County voters, here's what to watch:
Immediate Priorities (First 100 Days)
Energy affordability – Executive action to address utility costs
Cabinet appointments – Who will lead key departments
Budget proposal – Funding priorities for FY 2027
Federal litigation – Joining lawsuits to protect New Jersey interests
Long-Term Goals
Making New Jersey more affordable for working families
Protecting rights and freedoms from federal overreach
Investing in public education and transportation
Creating economic opportunities across all regions
Addressing climate change and environmental protection
Challenges
Working with a Democratic Legislature that has its own priorities
Managing a state budget with competing demands
Navigating federal-state relations during the Trump administration
Meeting high expectations after a decisive electoral victory
Take Action: Stay Informed and Engaged
The transition from Governor Phil Murphy to Governor Mikie Sherrill represents a new chapter for New Jersey and Essex County. Your engagement matters as the new administration takes shape.
Here's How Essex County Voters Can Stay Connected:
✅ Visit the official transition website: Submit your ideas and perspectives at nj.gov/govelect
✅ Follow local elections: Watch for the special election to replace Sherrill in Congress
✅ Attend local Democratic meetings: Connect with the Essex County Democratic Committee
✅ Contact your elected officials: Let them know your priorities
✅ Register to vote: Ensure you're registered for upcoming elections at nj.gov/state/elections
Stay Updated: Subscribe to Essex County Democratic Committee Blog
Don't miss important updates about Governor Sherrill's administration, the congressional special election, and Essex County political news.
Subscribe to receive the latest blogs and updates from the Essex County Democratic Committee at essexdems.org.
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The future of New Jersey begins January 20, 2026. Stay informed, stay engaged, and stay connected with the Essex County Democratic Committee as we work together to build a better Garden State for all.
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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