NJ Gov. Sherrill Picks New Lieutenant Governor

On Monday, Nov. 9, New Jersey Gov. Mike Sherrill announced that she has appointed Shirley Emehelu as her new lieutenant governor. Emehelu’s appointment marks the first time in NJ history that a woman governor and lieutenant governor will lead the state.

At the time of the announcement, Emehelu, a former prosecutor, was serving as NJ’s acting secretary of state. She filled in for former Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell, who resigned following allegations of sexual misconduct and state ethics violations.

Before that, she served as comptroller in the Sherrill administration and, from 2022 to 2024, as the state’s executive assistant attorney general. She also spent nine years in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, where she served as chief of asset recovery and anti-money laundering.

“I promised to bring a different kind of leadership to Trenton—rooted in accountability, relentless dedication to service, and a commitment to putting New Jerseyans first. Shirley embodies those values,” Sherrill said in a statement. “From prosecuting financial fraud and rooting out waste and abuse, to defending civil rights and protecting consumers, Shirley has fought for New Jersey families at every step of her career.”

Sherrill added that Emehelu will continue to serve as secretary of state after “successfully overseeing the smooth administration of our elections last week.”

“She pairs the highest ethical standards with the same tenacity to run toward our toughest challenges, and I am proud to have her by my side as we work to deliver for the people of New Jersey,” Sherrill continued.

Following Sherrill’s announcement, local leaders expressed their joy over Emehelu’s appointment as lieutenant governor.

U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez Jr. praised Emehelu, saying, “Her commitment to justice, accountability, and protecting the public’s trust makes her an excellent choice to serve as New Jersey’s next lieutenant governor.”

“New Jersey residents deserve leaders who work every day to deliver for them, and Shirley brings that commitment to this role,” Menendez Jr. added.

Jeannine Frisby LaRue, lobbyist and civil rights leader, also praised Sherrill’s choice for lieutenant governor. 

“Shirley has been a fellow fighter for New Jersey families,” she said, “and I’m proud to see her blaze a new trail as lieutenant governor. She’s rooted out fraud and abuse, taken on special interests, and fought to ensure our government puts people first.

In addition, Amol Sinha, executive director of ACLU-New Jersey, said Emehelu will play a major role in enforcing the John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act and protecting equal voting rights in the Garden State.

“As we continue to face unprecedented attacks on our rights and liberties, the ACLU-NJ looks forward to continuing to work with Lieutenant Governor Emehelu and Gov. Sherrill’s Administration to defend and expand the rights of all New Jerseyans, and ensure our state is the strongest firewall for freedom in the country,” Sinha said.  

After Sherrill announced her appointment, Emehelu said that she looks forward to working alongside the governor to increase affordability, expand opportunity for all communities, and help meet the goals of the Black agenda.

“Good government is about prioritizing the people we serve. It’s about honesty, integrity, and transparency. It’s about doing everything you can to help the public good,” Emehelu added. “So, I’ve seen how hard the governor has worked over the past ten months to break new ground here and build a government that delivers for the people it’s meant to serve. I’m ready to do my part as lieutenant governor and secretary of state to help carry that work forward.