Mikie Sherrill was sworn in as the 57th Governor of New Jersey on January 20, 2026. She campaigned on a promise to make the state more affordable and now faces several economic challenges, including a slow-growing gross domestic product, high unemployment—second highest in the nation—and a slowing job market. New Jersey’s corporate business tax is also ranked as the highest in the country, affecting its ability to compete with other states.
In her inaugural address, Sherrill said she would “make New Jersey more affordable and open doors to opportunity across the state.” She also pledged to reduce regulations. On her first day in office, she signed Executive Order number 7, which freezes the adoption of proposed and pending regulations for 90 days.
The upcoming State Fiscal Year 2027 Budget message will be a key test for Governor Sherrill’s commitment to affordability. The state currently faces a $4 billion budget deficit. She will need to make substantial budget cuts without introducing new taxes when she presents her plan to the legislature in March.
NFIB expressed support for Sherrill’s efforts. “NFIB wishes the Governor great success and remains hopeful the tide doesn’t change.”
On January 12, bill A-5422 was signed into law during the final day of the 221st legislative session. The new law allows businesses to opt in to receive email notifications from the Department of Treasury and Department of Labor and Workforce Development about new statutory and regulatory requirements as well as economic incentives relevant to their industry. Previously, all registered businesses received such updates only through paper mail; paper notifications will continue unless a business chooses email instead.
NFIB supported this legislation and plans to inform its members when implementation procedures are announced by the state.
