Democrat Mikie Sherrill has used her inauguration speech to deliver a stinging rebuke of former President Donald Trump, accusing him of "illegally usurping power" as she was sworn in as New Jersey's 57th governor on Tuesday. The four-term congresswoman and former Navy helicopter pilot framed her election victory as a rejection of Trump's vision for the nation, becoming only the second woman to lead the state of nearly 9.5 million people.
Historic Third Term and Revolutionary Rhetoric
Sherrill makes history as the first candidate from a major political party to secure a third consecutive gubernatorial term in over six decades, succeeding two-term Democrat Phil Murphy. Her sweeping victory over a Trump-endorsed Republican rival was partly achieved by attributing rising costs to the former president's tariff policies and pledging immediate action on utility rates.
During her inaugural address, Sherrill drew powerful parallels between contemporary politics and America's founding struggle, referencing New Jersey's pivotal role in the Revolutionary War. She quoted directly from the Declaration of Independence's grievances against King George III, creating an unmistakable comparison to Trump's presidency. "We see a president illegally usurping power," Sherrill declared. "He has unconstitutionally enacted a tariff regime to make billions for himself and his family, while everyone else sees costs go higher and higher. Here, we demand people in public service actually serve the public."
Immediate Executive Action on Energy Costs
In a symbolic demonstration of her administration's priorities, Sherrill signed two executive orders during the inauguration ceremony itself. The first implements an immediate freeze on utility rates that have been rising sharply, fulfilling a key campaign promise. The second order initiates efforts to establish new electricity production sources, specifically targeting solar and nuclear energy development to enhance the state's energy security and sustainability.
Ceremonial Departures and Political Context
The governor took her oath of office on a copy of the Constitution once owned by New Jersey's first governor, William Livingston, during ceremonies in Newark - the state's largest city whose voters formed a crucial component of her winning coalition. While the event maintained traditional elements including a military helicopter flyover and artillery salute along the Delaware River, it marked a departure from previous inaugurations held outside Trenton's statehouse.
Sherrill's inauguration coincides with significant political developments nationally, as her former congressional colleague Abigail Spanberger assumes Virginia's governorship following a similar double-digit victory over Republican opposition. With midterm elections approaching, Democrats increasingly view Trump as a potential liability for GOP candidates in crucial races across the country.
Inheriting Murphy's Progressive Legacy
Sherrill assumes leadership from outgoing Governor Phil Murphy, a former Obama administration ambassador and Wall Street executive who delivered numerous progressive achievements during his eight-year tenure. Murphy's legacy includes raising taxes on incomes exceeding $1 million, increasing the minimum wage, expanding early childhood education programmes, and fully funding the state workers' pension system that had been underfunded for years before his administration.
In his final news conference, Murphy revealed regular communication with Sherrill regarding the transition and characterised his governorship as having remained true to campaign promises. "We were who we said we would be," Murphy stated. "We didn't campaign on my thesis and pull a fast one." However, he leaves behind a significantly expanded state budget that raises concerns about potential shortfalls should revenues decline, alongside an unfunded commitment to continue a property tax relief programme initiated during his second term.
Governing with Democratic Majorities
The new governor will benefit from a Democrat-controlled Legislature, placing New Jersey among more than a dozen states where the party holds both the governorship and legislative majority. This political alignment follows historical patterns in a state where the governorship has frequently alternated between parties - the last instance of a party winning three consecutive gubernatorial elections occurred in 1961.
Sherrill follows in the footsteps of Christine Todd Whitman, New Jersey's first female governor who served two Republican terms before becoming George W. Bush's Environmental Protection Agency administrator. As she begins her historic administration, Sherrill faces the dual challenge of addressing immediate economic concerns while navigating complex budgetary inheritances and national political dynamics.
