Reynolds-Jackson withdraws, clearing path for Emehelu as NJ lieutenant governor

The Trenton lawmaker and chair of the Legislative Black Caucus was among the finalists to replace Dale Caldwell, who resigned following a sexual harassment investigation.

State Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson has withdrawn her name from consideration to become New Jersey’s next lieutenant governor, Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced Friday.

Reynolds-Jackson, a Trenton Democrat who chairs the Assembly Education Committee and the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus, was reportedly one of two finalists for the position. She has served in the Legislature since 2018.

“I appreciate Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson’s willingness to step forward for consideration as Lieutenant Governor,” Sherrill said in a statement. “I understand and respect her decision that now is not the right time for her. She is a tireless champion for her district, and I’m pleased that she will continue to be a close partner.”

The governor must appoint a replacement for former Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell by Monday, Nov. 9, under a constitutional requirement that vacancies in the office be filled within 45 days.

Caldwell resigned Sept. 25 after an independent investigation found that he sexually harassed a female staff member and violated state ethics rules. Caldwell has disputed the findings.

The New Jersey Globe reported Friday that Sherrill plans to appoint Acting Secretary of State Shirley Emehelu, a former federal and state prosecutor, as lieutenant governor. Sherrill appointed Emehelu state comptroller in January, but she served in an acting capacity because the Senate had not confirmed her appointment. Sherrill named her acting secretary of state in September following Caldwell’s resignation.

Reynolds-Jackson, a lifelong Trenton resident, represents the 15th Legislative District, which includes Trenton, Ewing, Lawrence, West Windsor, and several other municipalities in Mercer and Hunterdon counties.

She began her political career on the Trenton City Council in 2010, becoming the first Black woman to represent the city’s East Ward. She served as council vice president from 2014 to 2018 before becoming an Assemblywoman in February 2018.

In the Legislature, Reynolds-Jackson chairs the Assembly Education Committee, serves as vice chair of the Appropriations Committee, and sits on the Budget Committee. Her legislative work has focused on education, health care, economic opportunity, social justice, and support for underserved communities.

She became chair of the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus in January, succeeding Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter. The caucus advocates for policies addressing racial disparities in education, health care, housing, public safety, and economic opportunity.

Reynolds-Jackson previously worked as a social worker. She earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from The College of New Jersey and a master’s degree in administration from Central Michigan University.

The governor said she looked forward to continuing to work with Reynolds-Jackson on issues affecting Black residents and working families throughout New Jersey.

“Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson is in a class of her own,” Sherrill said in her Friday statement. “From education and health care to voting rights, she has long championed equity and expanded opportunities for working families, especially for the Black community throughout her career and as Chair of the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus.”