Governor Mikie Sherrill names Shirley Emehelu as New Jersey's lieutenant governor

New Jersey Politics Governor Mikie Sherrill names Shirley Emehelu as New Jersey's lieutenant governor New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill announced her pick for the Garden State's next lieutenant governor on Monday morning. WPVI By 6abc Digital Staff , Trish Hartman Monday, November 9, 2026 7:48PM Share Follow 6abc on Google TRENTON, N.J. (WPVI) -- New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill announced her pick for the Garden State's next lieutenant governor on Monday morning. Sherrill appointed Shirley Emehelu to the position at the state Capitol building. Emehelu will also serve as secretary of state. "I've spent my career upholding the law, protecting families, and rooting out fraud, abuse, and corruption. As Lieutenant Governor and continuing my role as Secretary of State, I'll bring that same tenacity to lowering costs, expanding opportunity for every community, and ensuring government delivers for the people we serve," Emehelu said. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill announced her pick for the Garden State's next lieutenant governor on Monday morning. This will be the first time New Jersey has had women serving as both governor and lieutenant governor. Emehelu is also the first immigrant to hold the office of lieutenant governor. She's originally from Nigeria. 2 teenage suspects arrested in Halloween mass shooting near University of Delaware 15 minutes ago Former Upland police chief charged in $50,000 overtime investigation 40 minutes ago Governor Mikie Sherrill names Shirley Emehelu as New Jersey's lieutenant governor 13 minutes ago Emehelu had been serving as the acting secretary of state following the resignation of Dale Caldwell in September . Prior to that, Emehelu served as acting state comptroller, and she also worked in the attorney general's office as executive attorney general. She also previously worked as a federal prosecutor alongside now-Gov. Sherrill, where she prosecuted financial fraud and corruption. Emehelu graduated from Yale Law. "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 said. Caldwell stepped down after an internal investigation detailed allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct. In one instance, a staffer says Caldwell made a sexual comment to her after being rejected by the staffer's friend. Caldwell is also accused of not disclosing a relationship with another employee and trying to get her a promotion. Report a correction or typo Copyright © 2026 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved. Related Topics POLITICS TRENTON NEW JERSEY NEW JERSEY POLITICS MIKIE SHERRILL NJ lt. governor resigns after sexual harassment and ethics complaints Sherrill calls on Lt. Gov. Caldwell to resign after investigation Lt. governor of New Jersey under investigation for alleged misconduct Civil complaint filed to unseat a jailed Willingboro council member Watch Live ON NOW 2 teens charged in Halloween mass shooting near University of Delaware 15 minutes ago Former Upland police chief charged in $50,000 overtime investigation 40 minutes ago Russell Brand sentenced to 10 years, 6 months in prison for rape, sexual assault 3 hours ago Boycott of Jewish-owned Philly businesses draws counterprotest Jan. 6 should follow Trump 'to his grave,' Biden says in new memoir 1 hour ago Massie introduces impeachment articles against Hegseth 29 minutes ago AccuWeather: Windy but comfortable today 2 hours ago Man arrested on stalking charges at LeBron James' home in Los Angeles