Credit: Tim Larsen/Office of Governor
Former federal prosecutor Shirley Emehelu was sworn in Monday as the new lieutenant governor of New Jersey.
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Emehelu was appointed by Gov. Mikie Sherrill to the role and also as secretary of state.
“I am honored by Gov. Sherrill’s trust and the opportunity to serve the people of New Jersey as lieutenant governor,” said Emehelu. “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, who previously served as the state’s acting comptroller and acting secretary of state, fills the lieutenant governor job after Dale Caldwell resigned in September following an ethics and workplace conduct investigation.
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Sherrill told reporters at the State House in Trenton that Emehelu will work hard for the people of New Jersey.
“From prosecuting financial fraud and rooting out waste and abuse, to defending civil rights and protecting consumers, Shirley has fought for New Jersey families at every step of her career,” Sherrill said. “Shirley also maintains strong leadership at the Secretary of State’s office after successfully overseeing the smooth administration of our elections last week. 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.”
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The appointment means New Jersey is led by the first time by a female governor and lieutenant governor.
The governor said she has found a strong governing partner in Emehelu and is impressed by her commitment to public service.
“Shirley and I will ensure that every community has a seat at the table and that their needs are reflected in our agenda.” Sherrill said.
Credit: Tim Larsen/Office of Governor
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Emehelu previously worked at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey and was the third highest-ranking official in the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office. She attended Yale Law School.
Emehelu immigrated from Nigeria as a child.
Emehelu was sworn in by New Jersey Supreme Court Chief Justice Stuart Rabner.
The role of lieutenant governor is newer to the Garden State. After a referendum on a constitutional amendment to add the position was approved in 2005, voters elected the first lieutenant governor in 2009.
Emehelu is the fifth lieutenant governor in the modern era.
