Mikie Sherrill Appoints Shirley Emehelu as Lieutenant Governor

Governor Mikie Sherrill appointed Shirley Emehelu as New Jersey's lieutenant governor and secretary of state on November 9, 2026. Emehelu, a Nigerian-born immigrant and former federal prosecutor, is the first immigrant to hold the position. The appointment marks the first time in state history that women simultaneously hold the two highest executive offices.

Chief Justice Stuart Rabner swore Emehelu in at the State Capitol in Trenton. Emehelu, who previously served as acting state comptroller and executive assistant attorney general, will retain her role as secretary of state. Sherrill cited Emehelu's leadership during the midterm elections as a primary reason for the selection.

Emehelu fills the vacancy left by Dale Caldwell, who resigned on September 25 following an internal investigation. That probe found Caldwell committed ethics violations and sexually harassed female staff, including making inappropriate comments and attempting to secure a promotion for a dating partner. Caldwell has disputed the findings through his attorney and was subsequently suspended as pastor of Covenant United Methodist Church in Plainfield.