| New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill appointed Shirley U. Emehelu as New Jersey’s next Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State. The appointment marks the first time in state history that New Jersey will be led by both a woman Governor and Lieutenant Governor. |
Emehelu assumed office as Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State on Monday, Nov. 9. Her selection followed a comprehensive review of a wide range of candidates, consultation with leaders across New Jersey’s diverse communities, and rigorous vetting.
“I promised to bring a different kind of leadership to Trenton — rooted in accountability, relentless dedication to service, and a commitment to putting New Jerseyans first. Shirley embodies those values,” said Gov. Mikie Sherrill. “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.
“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. New Jersey is one of the most diverse states in our nation. 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.
Win For Women
“I’m proud to see two women leading our state. Today is a win for women, for the Black community, and for all New Jerseyans,” said Jeannine LaRue. “Governor Sherrill made an outstanding choice. Shirley has been a fellow fighter for New Jersey families, and I’m proud to see her blaze a new trail as Lieutenant Governor. She’s rooted out fraud and abuse, taken on special interests, and fought to ensure our government puts people first. I know she’ll be a great partner for the Governor and continue taking on the big challenges head-on to deliver for New Jersey.”
About Shirley U. Emehelu
Prior to this role and before becoming Acting Secretary of State, Emehelu served as Acting State Comptroller since the beginning of the Sherrill Administration, leading efforts to combat fraud, waste, and abuse, protect taxpayer dollars, and strengthen government accountability.
From 2022 to 2024, she served as New Jersey’s Executive Assistant Attorney General, the third-ranking official in the Attorney General’s Office. She counseled the Attorney General, coordinated oversight of more than 500 attorneys in the Division of Law, and directed civil litigation and enforcement matters involving environmental protection, civil rights, consumer and labor protections, firearms safety, and data privacy.
“I am honored by Governor Sherrill’s trust and the opportunity to serve the people of New Jersey as Lieutenant Governor,” said Lieutenant Governor Shirley U. 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 previously spent nine years at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, prosecuting complex financial fraud and serving as Chief of Asset Recovery and Anti-Money Laundering, overseeing programs including federal asset forfeiture and victim restitution.
She clerked for U.S. District Judge James R. Spencer in the Eastern District of Virginia and earned her bachelor’s degree from Yale University and her law degree from Yale Law School.
Commitment to Accountability
“Shirley Emehelu has dedicated much of her career to public service and has had a demonstrated commitment to accountability, with recent roles as Executive Assistant Attorney General and Acting Comptroller for New Jersey. In her new role as Lieutenant Governor and in her role as Secretary of State, Ms. Emehelu will play a crucial role in enforcing the John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act and protecting the ability for all New Jerseyans to be heard and represented by their government. As we continue to face unprecedented attacks on our rights and liberties, the ACLU-NJ looks forward to continuing to work with Lieutenant Governor Emehelu and Governor Sherrill’s Administration to defend and expand the rights of all New Jerseyans, and ensure our state is the strongest firewall for freedom in the country,” said Amol Sinha, Executive Director, ACLU of New Jersey.