Sherrill Chooses Dale Caldwell as Running Mate in New Jersey Race
Rep. Mikie Sherrill, the Democratic nominee for governor of New Jersey, has chosen Rev. Dale Caldwell as her running mate. Caldwell is the current president of Centenary University in Hackettstown and a longtime public servant.
This major announcement was made on Friday, just two days after Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli picked Morris County Sheriff Jim Gannon as his own running mate. With the race heating up, both parties are now fully staffed for the fall election.
Caldwell’s Role as Centenary University’s First Black President
Caldwell made history in 2023 when he became Centenary University’s first Black president. The school, a private Methodist university, has more than 1,000 students. His appointment was widely praised for bringing a fresh perspective to higher education leadership.
He is also a pastor at Covenant United Methodist Church in Plainfield. His deep roots in both education and faith have shaped his long-standing commitment to service.
A Legacy of Civil Rights and Public Service
Caldwell comes from a powerful legacy. His father, Rev. Gilbert Caldwell, marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement. Dale has spent much of his life following in those footsteps.
He served on the New Brunswick school board for 26 years and once held the role of deputy commissioner in the state Department of Community Affairs. His background blends leadership, activism, and a deep understanding of community needs.
United Front Against Trumpism
Sherrill tied her campaign message closely to Caldwell’s. “As Jack Ciattarelli is committed to Trump, Dale and I are committed to New Jersey,” she said. She added that they plan to challenge the status quo and push for progress.
Caldwell echoed that message, saying: “While we will be a voice for the people, Jack Ciattarelli will be a voice for Trump and the MAGA movement that is costing New Jersey our wallets and our freedoms.”
A Sharp Contrast with the GOP Ticket
The Sherrill-Caldwell ticket presents a sharp contrast to the Republican team. Ciattarelli’s campaign manager criticized Caldwell as a “career political insider,” while promoting their own ticket as a solution to rising taxes and crime.
However, Sherrill’s camp is betting on Caldwell’s mix of leadership experience, education background, and civil rights legacy to help carry the race. The duo will begin campaigning together this Saturday.
