CHAIR JONES JR. STATEMENT ON GOVERNOR SHERRILL’S NOMINATION OF SHIRLEY EMEHELU TO BE LG

TRENTON, NJ  — New Jersey Democratic State Committee Chairman Leroy J. Jones, Jr. today released the following statement praising Governor Mikie Sherrill’s decision to elevate Shirley U. Emehelu to be New Jersey’s next Lieutenant Governor and praised Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson for her decision to withdraw from consideration:

“Governor Sherrill’s announcement today highlights just how much talent and depth New Jersey has at its disposal for our vital leadership positions.  

The Governor’s thoughtful, deliberative process has yielded tremendous results, allowing for a host of talented and qualified candidates to be involved in this process.  The various individuals and organizations weighing in served to be true value adds, and I believe Shirley Emehelu will serve them all with equal distinction.

Shirley’s work as acting State Comptroller and then acting Secretary of State overseeing last Tuesday’s critical elections were without flaw and simply underlined her career in public service, including in both the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.  

She has long defined herself a champion for people’s rights and a fighter against injustice, both tremendous qualities we will need as we continue to navigate the partisan, oppressive decisions emanating from the White House.

I believe that this historic partnership with Governor Sherrill working as part of New Jersey’s first all-woman executive leadership team will prove to be just the latest in a long line of tremendous decisions put forward by our governor that allow our state to lead the way.

I would also like to acknowledge and thank the eminently qualified candidates who joined this process and, in particular, my friend Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson who decided to withdraw her name from consideration for the position last week. 

The Assemblywoman is a selfless fighter who continues to put the needs of her constituents at the forefront of her decision-making process and our State is fortunate to have her continuing as a fearless representative and advocate in the New Jersey General Assembly.”