New Jersey democratic gubernatorial hopeful Mikie Sherrill chooses Centenary University president Dale Caldwell as her vice-presidential pick
In a move to solidify her position within the Democratic tradition while distinguishing herself from current Governor Phil Murphy, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill has announced Rev. Dale Caldwell as her lieutenant governor candidate. Caldwell, a prominent figure in the higher education community, civil rights movement, and religious circles, brings a unique blend of experiences to the campaign.
Background and Experience of Dale Caldwell:
Caldwell, the president of Centenary University—a private Methodist university—is the first person of African descent to hold this position. Beyond academia, he serves as a pastor at Covenant United Methodist Church in Plainfield, New Jersey. His public service spans over two decades, including 26 years on the school board in New Brunswick, where he resides.
Caldwell's involvement in tennis is equally impressive. He served as president and CEO of the United States Tennis Association’s (USTA) Eastern Section, founded the Black Tennis Hall of Fame, and was inducted into the Eastern Tennis Hall of Fame. His career is marked by a strong commitment to community service, civil rights advocacy, education, and leadership.
Caldwell emphasises leadership and service to community, stating his goals with Sherrill’s campaign include creating opportunities for New Jersey residents and addressing cost-of-living issues.
A Unique Partnership:
Caldwell's diverse background, rooted in local service and university administration, complements Sherrill's military and congressional background. Together, they aim to make New Jersey more affordable and protect rights and freedoms from Trump's attacks.
Ben Dworkin, director of the Institute for Public Policy & Citizenship at Rowan University, commented that Sherrill selected Caldwell as her running mate because she was looking for an "out-of-the-box" candidate. Caldwell also brings diversity as an African American male to the campaign.
Sherrill and Caldwell share a commitment to public service and challenging the status quo. Caldwell's dedication to service in his church, students, and community mirrors Sherrill's own dedication to her country and state.
A Lifetime of Service:
Caldwell's life's work is a testament to service. The son of civil rights leaders who marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma, Alabama, Caldwell has dedicated his life to service in his church, students, and community. He has also served as the executive director of the Rothman Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Fairleigh Dickinson University.
In addition to his role as president of Centenary University in Warren County, Caldwell is an avid tennis player and coach. He founded the Black Tennis Hall of Fame and was a deputy commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs. Caldwell is also a member of the Eastern Tennis Hall of Fame.
As the campaign moves forward, the partnership between Sherrill and Caldwell promises to bring a fresh perspective and a strong commitment to service to the people of New Jersey.
In this unique partnership between Mikie Sherrill and Dale Caldwell, their diverse backgrounds — one rooted in military and congressional service, the other in academia, civil rights advocacy, and community service — aim to make New Jersey more affordable and protect rights and freedoms from attacks. Sherrill, recognizing the need for an "out-of-the-box" candidate, selected Caldwell as her running mate, not only for his commitment to service but also to address diversity concerns.
