Gov. Mikie Sherrill appoints Shirley Emehelu as New Jersey lieutenant governor, secretary of state
TRENTON, N.J. — Gov. Mikie Sherrill appointed Shirley U. Emehelu as New Jersey’s lieutenant governor and secretary of state Monday, marking the first time in state history that both the governor and lieutenant governor are women.
Emehelu assumed both positions Monday following what the Sherrill administration described as a comprehensive review of candidates, consultations with leaders across New Jersey’s diverse communities and a rigorous vetting process.
“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,” Sherrill said. “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.”
Emehelu previously served as acting secretary of state and acting state comptroller during the Sherrill administration. As acting comptroller, she led efforts to combat fraud, waste and abuse, protect taxpayer dollars and strengthen government accountability.
“I am honored by Governor Sherrill’s trust and the opportunity to serve the people of New Jersey as Lieutenant Governor,” Emehelu said. “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.”
From 2022 to 2024, Emehelu served as New Jersey’s executive assistant attorney general, the third-highest-ranking official in the state Attorney General’s Office.
In that position, she advised 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.
Before joining the state Attorney General’s Office, Emehelu spent nine years with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, where she prosecuted complex financial fraud cases.
She also served as chief of asset recovery and anti-money laundering, overseeing programs involving federal asset forfeiture and restitution for crime victims.
Earlier in her legal career, Emehelu served as a law clerk for U.S. District Judge James R. Spencer in the Eastern District of Virginia.
Emehelu earned her bachelor’s degree from Yale University and her law degree from Yale Law School.
