Dr. Dale Caldwell was sworn in Tuesday as New Jersey’s lieutenant governor during the state’s inauguration ceremony at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, using his remarks to highlight voting rights, public trust, and service as central priorities of the new administration.
Caldwell will also serve as New Jersey’s secretary of state, a role that includes responsibility for overseeing elections. In his prepared remarks, he described protecting the right to vote as “the cornerstone of democracy” and pledged that New Jersey would safeguard access to the ballot and the integrity of its elections.
He framed the moment as both historic and personal, noting that he is the first pastor to serve as lieutenant governor of New Jersey. Caldwell tied his approach to public service to his family’s civil rights history, recalling that his father marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and instilled in him the belief that justice is a responsibility, not an abstraction.
Caldwell also paid tribute to the late Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, whom he described as a mentor, and thanked outgoing Gov. Phil Murphy and Lt. Gov. Sheila Way for their service. He expressed appreciation to Gov. Mikie Sherrill for selecting him as her running mate and said the two share a commitment to opportunity, accountability, and constitutional values.
Throughout his remarks, Caldwell struck a unifying tone, acknowledging deep national division while calling on New Jersey leaders to restore trust in government institutions. He said many residents view government as an obstacle rather than a partner and pledged to work toward making state government more responsive and accessible.
Citing New Jersey’s diversity and civic strength, Caldwell said the state is positioned to lead by example during a time of national uncertainty.
“I believe with all my heart that our best days are ahead of us,” he said.
