New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has announced her pick for the state’s next lieutenant governor.
On Monday morning, Sherrill appointed Shirley Emehelu to the position, and a swearing-in ceremony took place at the State Capitol building in Trenton, 6ABC reported.
In addition to her new role, Emehelu will also serve as Secretary of State.
“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 said.
This is the first time in New Jersey’s history and the fourth state in the U.S. to have women serving simultaneously in both executive roles.
Emehelu added another milestone to her resume. She is the first immigrant to become lieutenant governor. She’s originally from Nigeria, per 6ABC.
She also serves as acting secretary of state after Dale Caldwell’s resignation in September.
Emehelu previously served as New Jersey’s state comptroller and as an executive attorney general in the state Attorney General’s Office. She earned her law degree from Yale.
Emehelu worked as a federal prosecutor alongside Gov. Sherrill, prosecuting financial fraud and corruption.
“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,” Sherrill said.
As TheGrio reported, Sherrill called for Caldwell to step down following a 61-page independent investigation into allegations of inappropriate behavior and ethics violations.
Caldwell reportedly made a romantic advance toward a female staffer’s friend and allegedly made a sexual comment to the staffer after the advance was rejected.
He is also accused of seeking a promotion for a state employee with whom he had a relationship and failing to disclose that relationship.
“I hold everyone in my Administration to the highest ethical standard,” Sherrill said at the time.
