Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill announced that she has nominated Shirley Emehelu to be state comptroller.
This follows recent announcements of Stephen Cha as her nominee to lead the Department of Human Services (DHS) and that Jacquelyn A. Suárez will continue as commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs.
Additionally, Jennifer Davenport has been nominated to be the next attorney general; Michael (Mike) Novak has been appointed to Sherrill’s Interdisciplinary Task Force; Brig. Gen. Yvonne L. Mays will be nominated to lead the Department of Military Affairs; and Vincent Solomeno will be nominated to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Emehelu brings a wealth of experience to the role, from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey and the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General.
“Shirley is a leader who will fiercely uphold the rule of law, expose corruption and ensure that state government is transparent and accountable,” said Sherrill. “I worked closely with Shirley at the U.S. Attorney’s Office and saw how she implemented innovative reforms in the criminal legal system that improved public safety in New Jersey.
“I know that she will bring a focus on public service, integrity and fairness to the comptroller’s office to ensure that Trenton is being a good steward of New Jerseyans’ tax dollars to make life more affordable.”
“It’s an honor to be nominated to be New Jersey’s next comptroller,” said Emehelu. “I worked alongside the governor-elect at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and I know that her administration will be guided by a commitment to public service and accountability to the people.
“Our office will serve as a watchdog for the state and public trust — uncovering fraud, waste and corruption to protect New Jersey taxpayers.”
Gov.-elect Sherrill and Lieutenant Gov.-elect Dr. Dale Caldwell announced that their inaugural swearing-in will take place at NJPAC in Newark on Jan. 20, 2026.
