(The Center Square) — New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill tapped Democrat Shirley Emehelu as her second-in-command on Monday, replacing disgraced former Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell following his resignation amid sexual harassment allegations.
Emehelu, a former prosecutor and New Jersey's former acting comptroller, will also take over as secretary of state as the two roles are combined. She has held that post since Caldwell stepped down two months ago. Appointment to the positions doesn't require legislative approval, so she takes over both roles immediately.
In a statement, Sherrill said Emehelu "pairs the highest ethical standards with the same tenacity to run toward our toughest challenges" and said she is "proud to have her by my side as we work to deliver for the people of New Jersey."
"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."
Emehelu, of Montclair, is a former federal and state prosecutor who served as a top aide to Attorney General Matt Platkin. She was appointed as acting controller by Sherrill in January shortly after she was sworn in as the state's new governor. After Caldwell stepped down, Sherrill tapped her as interim secretary of state, which also oversees New Jersey's elections.
Her elevation to lieutenant governor is also a historic first for New Jersey, marking the first all-female team in the state's top two elected posts.
A Yale Law School graduate and law clerk to a federal judge in Virginia, Emehelu spent six years in private practice before becoming an Assistant U.S. Attorney in 2010, according to the Sherill administration. Sherrill and Emehelu worked together as federal prosecutors before they entered politics.
"I’ve spent my career upholding the law, protecting families, and rooting out fraud, abuse, and corruption," Emehelu said in a statement. "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."
Caldwell has stepped down in September following an investigation levied damaging sexual harassment claims of improper behavior by him towards female staffers and other women.
Sherrill took the extraordinary step of calling on Caldwell to step down despite the fact that he hasn't been charged with any crimes, saying the evidence from the investigation was too damaging. She said the findings of the investigation "reflect a pattern of behavior that does not meet the standards of this administration."
Caldwell — the son of a pastor who marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the civil rights movement — was a political newcomer who was tapped by Sherrill last July to run for the governor's office as a candidate for lieutenant governor. He has denied any wrongdoing and has claimed he wasn’t given an opportunity to respond during the investigation.