NJ Gov. Sherrill announces her new lieutenant governor pick

Key Points:

• New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill appointed Shirley Emehelu, a former prosecutor and acting secretary of state, as the state's new lieutenant governor, marking the first time both top executive offices are held by women in New Jersey.
• Emehelu, a Nigerian-American immigrant, was chosen for her leadership during the state's midterm election amid challenges from the Trump administration, and she was sworn in following the resignation of former Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell.
• Caldwell resigned after an internal investigation found he sexually harassed female staff and committed ethics violations; he has denied the findings and was also involved in a voter registration scandal ahead of the midterms.
• Democrats made significant electoral gains in New Jersey’s midterms, securing an 11-1 advantage in the congressional delegation and flipping two Republican seats, including victories by first-time candidates Rebecca Bennett and Zack Mullock.
• Sherrill emphasized that selecting a woman was not a priority in the appointment process, focusing instead on Emehelu’s qualifications and leadership, while also highlighting ongoing commitments to policies benefiting Black New Jerseyans after Caldwell’s departure.