Meet the candidates for NJ lieutenant governor

Editor’s note: The video above originally aired on Aug. 15.

NEW JERSEY (PIX11) – The leading contenders for New Jersey governor have chosen their running mates. 

In November, New Jersey will elect a new governor, and with them, a second-in-command. Democratic nominee Mikie Sherill and Republican nominee Jack Ciattarelli have both chosen their lieutenant governors.

Sherill’s pick, Dale Caldwell, is the President of Centenary University. Ciattarelli picked a running mate in law enforcement, Morris County Sheriff Jim Gannon. 

The two lieutenant governor candidates will face off in a debate on PIX11 on Sept. 30 at 7 p.m. Sherill and Ciattarelli will participate in a forum on PIX11 News on Oct. 3 at 7 p.m.

Get to know the candidates for New Jersey lieutenant governor:

Jim Gannon

Gannon was elected the Morris County Sheriff in 2017 and most recently re-elected in 2023. He’s from Boonton and has worn many law enforcement hats, including work for the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force. 

During his time as sheriff, he launched the HOPE ONE Initiative, a mobile recovery access vehicle which he says has helped more than 60,000 people with addiction and mental health issues.

“Jim is a proven leader with bipartisan respect—and exactly the partner I need to deliver real change for our state,” Ciattarelli said of his running mate. 

Gannon told PIX11 News he’s focused on the state’s spending and budget in this election, noting the nearly $59 billion budget the state passed this year. He said spending has broken the back of the taxpayer.

Gannon said he wants New Jersey to be a place where families can live.

Dale Caldwell

Caldwell became the president of Centenary University in 2023. He is a pastor at Covenant United Methodist Church in Plainfield, spent 26 years on the New Brunswick Board of Education, and was the president of the State Educational Services Commission. 

“In every role I’ve held, I’ve had one guiding light: to give voice to the voiceless,” Caldwell said. “Mikie and I share a deep sense of service and a passion for innovative problem-solving.”

Education is an area in which he hopes to make an impact, if elected. He also said he wants to see community-based organizations have more of a role in government.

He sees affordability among the biggest issues. Outside of addressing the rising costs of utilities, Caldwell says uplifting small businesses can help create more local jobs.