New Jersey: Sherrill Names New Lieutenant Governor

Dale Caldwell’s tenure as New Jersey lieutenant governor ended in September after he resigned following an internal probe. Governor Mikie Sherrill filled that vacancy on Monday by appointing Shirley Emehelu to the role.

Emehelu held the position of acting comptroller before joining the administration. The governor also named her acting secretary of state weeks prior to the state’s midterm elections. During a press conference, Emehelu told Sherrill, "I so appreciate the trust you placed in me, every step of the way."

The vacancy stems from a report by a law firm hired by the governor’s office. That report stated Caldwell violated state workplace discrimination and ethics policies. Investigators found that Caldwell made an advance toward a staffer’s friend. After being rejected, he told the staffer, "you young women are looking for young sperm."

The report also identified additional breaches of state ethics rules. Caldwell allegedly tried to secure a promotion for a state employee he was dating. He also brought personal guests to ticketed events without paying for them. His attorney, Thomas Calcagni, disputed these findings. Calcagni described the investigation as a one-sided process that lacked necessary due process.

Sherrill previously noted that Caldwell’s "ethical lapses" continued despite multiple warnings and training sessions. She called his resignation "in the best interest of New Jersey residents." After Caldwell stepped down, Sherrill said she would move "swiftly" to select a successor who would represent the administration and residents with "honor" and "integrity."