New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill has selected Shirley U. Emehelu, a former federal prosecutor and acting Secretary of State, to serve as the state’s next lieutenant governor, filling a vacancy left by former Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell.
Emehelu’s appointment makes her the fifth lieutenant governor in New Jersey history and places two women in the state’s top executive offices for the first time.
The 48-year-old Montclair resident brings extensive experience in law and public service.
She served for nine years as an assistant U.S. attorney in New Jersey, from 2010 to 2019, where she prosecuted complex financial fraud cases and led asset recovery and anti-money laundering programs. She also served as executive assistant attorney general, the third-highest-ranking official in the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.
Emehelu joined Sherrill’s administration in January as acting state comptroller.
Following Caldwell’s resignation on September 25th, she was appointed acting secretary of state and oversaw New Jersey’s November 3rd midterm elections.
Caldwell resigned after an independent investigation substantiated allegations of sexual harassment involving a female staff member and found violations of state ethics rules. Caldwell denied the allegations and disputed the investigation’s findings.
Sherrill selected Emehelu over several candidates, including Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, who withdrew from consideration on November 6th.
The appointment does not require state Senate confirmation.
Emehelu will become first in line to succeed Sherrill and will serve as acting governor whenever the governor is outside the state.
