TRENTON, NJ — New Jersey Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson has withdrawn her name from consideration for lieutenant governor, leaving Gov. Mikie Sherrill preparing to fill one of the state’s highest offices ahead of a November 9 constitutional deadline.
The decision, announced Friday, November 6, comes as Sherrill works to replace former Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell, who resigned in September following an independent investigation into allegations of sexual harassment and violations of state ethics policies.
Reynolds-Jackson, a Democrat representing the 15th Legislative District and chair of the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus, had emerged as a possible candidate for the position. Her withdrawal narrows the field as reports indicate that Acting Secretary of State Shirley Emehelu is expected to receive the appointment.
Governor Sherrill Responds to the Withdrawal
In an official statement released November 6, Sherrill expressed appreciation for Reynolds-Jackson’s willingness to be considered and said she respected the assemblywoman’s decision.
“I understand and respect her decision that now is not the right time for her,” Sherrill said.
The governor praised Reynolds-Jackson’s work on education, health care, voting rights and opportunities for working families, particularly within New Jersey’s Black communities.
Sherrill also made clear that the two officials intend to continue working together on shared legislative and community priorities.
Reynolds-Jackson, who has served in the General Assembly since 2018, said she remains committed to representing her district and advancing policies addressing economic opportunities, education and racial equity.
Neither her public statement nor the governor’s announcement provided a more detailed explanation for her withdrawal.
A Vacancy Following Caldwell’s Resignation
The lieutenant governor position has remained vacant since September 25, when Dale Caldwell resigned after an independent investigation found repeated violations of state policy, including a substantiated finding of sexual harassment.
Caldwell disputed the investigation’s findings.
Sherrill had publicly called for his resignation after the report was released, emphasizing her administration’s responsibility to uphold workplace ethics and accountability standards.
Under New Jersey’s Constitution, the governor must appoint a replacement within 45 days of a vacancy. That requirement places the deadline on Monday, November 9.
The lieutenant governor serves as the state’s second-highest elected executive official and assumes gubernatorial responsibilities when required.
Shirley Emehelu Expected to Take the Position
According to reports published by the New Jersey Globe, The Philadelphia Inquirer and Insider NJ, Sherrill has selected Shirley Emehelu, currently serving as acting secretary of state, to become New Jersey’s next lieutenant governor.
Emehelu is a former federal prosecutor with experience in financial crime investigations and senior positions within the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.
She previously served as acting state comptroller before being assigned to lead the Department of State following Caldwell’s departure.
Although multiple news organizations have reported the expected appointment, a formal announcement had not been confirmed in the official governor’s statements reviewed as of November 8.
The appointment will fill a vacancy that has drawn considerable attention to the Sherrill administration. It also marks an important leadership decision as the governor continues her first year in office.
For Reynolds-Jackson, the withdrawal means remaining in the Legislature, where she has pledged to continue representing District 15 and working with the administration on issues affecting New Jersey residents.
With the constitutional deadline approaching, attention now turns to the governor’s formal announcement and the transition of responsibilities to the state’s next lieutenant governor.
Sources: Office of Governor Mikie Sherrill, November 6, 2026; New Jersey Globe; The Philadelphia Inquirer; Governor’s Office, September 24, 2026
By NJ RADAR Team