Nigerian Born Woman Makes History as New Jersey's New Lieutenant Governor

(Shirley Emehelu. Photo by New Jersey Globe)

Shirley Emehelu, a Nigerian born American lawyer, has been appointed Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey.

She is the first immigrant to hold the post in the state's history.

Governor Mikie Sherrill announced the appointment on Monday, 9 November 2026, and said it means the state's two top executive offices are now both held by women.

Emehelu also remains New Jersey's Secretary of State and took up the new role the same day.

She replaces Dale Caldwell, who resigned in September.

Emehelu was born in Nigeria and moved to the United States at age three.

She grew up in Chicago and later lived in Pittsburgh before studying at Yale, where she earned a bachelor's degree and a law degree.

From 2010 to 2019, she worked as an Assistant US Attorney, prosecuting financial fraud cases.

She later joined New Jersey's state government in 2022 as Executive Assistant Attorney General.

In January 2026, she became Acting State Comptroller, and in September she became Acting Secretary of State, overseeing the state's elections.

In a statement, Sherrill praised Emehelu's work against fraud, waste and abuse, and her defence of civil rights and consumers.

Emehelu said she was honoured and pledged to focus on lowering costs and expanding opportunities for residents.