TRENTON, NJ — November 9, 2026 — New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill appointed Shirley Emehelu as the state’s new lieutenant governor on Monday, making history as New Jersey will have two women serving in its highest executive offices for the first time.
Emehelu, a former federal prosecutor who has been serving as acting secretary of state, replaces Dale Caldwell, who resigned September 25 following an investigation into sexual harassment allegations and violations of state ethics rules.
The appointment was announced at the State House in Trenton, ending a six-week search for Caldwell’s replacement. Under New Jersey law, the governor had 45 days to fill the vacancy, making Monday the deadline.
“After a thorough search, I have chosen Shirley Emehelu as the next lieutenant governor and secretary of state,” Sherrill said during the announcement.
Emehelu will continue serving as secretary of state, overseeing the department responsible for administering elections and several other state functions. Her appointment does not require confirmation by the New Jersey Senate.
Who Is Shirley Emehelu?
Born in Nigeria, Emehelu is a Yale University and Yale Law School graduate with extensive experience in federal and state government.
She spent nine years as a federal prosecutor in New Jersey, handling financial fraud cases and leading asset recovery and anti-money laundering operations. She later served as executive assistant attorney general, one of the highest-ranking positions in the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.
Sherrill and Emehelu previously worked together as federal prosecutors.
Emehelu joined the Sherrill administration in January 2026 as acting state comptroller. Following Caldwell’s resignation, she was appointed acting secretary of state and oversaw the November 3 midterm elections.
Her appointment also makes her the first immigrant to serve as New Jersey’s lieutenant governor.
Appointment Follows Caldwell’s Resignation
Caldwell, who served as Sherrill’s original lieutenant governor, resigned after an independent investigation found violations of state workplace policies, including a substantiated sexual harassment allegation.
Caldwell denied the allegations, and his attorney challenged the investigation’s findings and procedures.
Sherrill had demanded his resignation after the investigative report was released in September.
Emehelu’s selection follows the withdrawal of another potential candidate, Democratic Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, who announced Friday that she would no longer seek consideration for the position.
As lieutenant governor, Emehelu will be first in line to succeed Sherrill if the governor leaves office or becomes unable to serve. She will also carry out the governor’s responsibilities during certain temporary absences.
The appointment gives New Jersey an unprecedented leadership combination, with two women occupying the state’s top two executive positions.
Sources: Office of Governor Mikie Sherrill (September 25, 2026); CBS News Philadelphia (November 9, 2026); NBC10 Philadelphia (November 9, 2026); New Jersey Globe (November 6, 2026); Insider NJ (November 9, 2026).
By NJ RADAR Team