Gov. Sherrill taps Shirley Emehelu as next NJ lieutenant governor

TRENTON, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — A new lieutenant governor and secretary of state of New Jersey was sworn in on Monday in Trenton.

Gov. Mikie Sherrill didn’t have to go far to find her next second-in-command. She selected Shirley Emehelu as New Jersey’s next lieutenant governor and secretary of state.

Emehelu has worked at the state Attorney General’s Office and U.S. Attorney’s Office, and served as acting comptroller. She replaces former Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell, who resigned after an investigation of misconduct and sexual harassment allegations against him.

Emehelu took over as acting secretary of state after Caldwell’s resignation.

“As a Black woman and Nigerian American, I’m proud of what this appointment represents for our state, and especially for the communities that share my heritage,” she said. “This is a milestone we can celebrate together.”

Sherrill said Emehelu worked around the clock in the days leading up to the election to ensure it went on without any problems — especially crucial this year, after the state endured a noncitizen registration scandal and increased federal scrutiny.