Latino group urges Sherrill to appoint Latino lieutenant governor

A national Latino political organization is urging Gov. Mikie Sherrill to appoint a Latino as New Jersey’s next lieutenant governor, arguing that the vacancy created by Dale Caldwell’s resignation presents a historic opportunity to give the state’s growing Latino population representation in the executive branch.

Katharine Pichardo, president and CEO of the Latino Victory Project, called on Sherrill to select a Latino or Latina for the post, noting that no Latino has ever served in New Jersey’s executive branch.

“New Jersey is home to over two million Latinos — men and women who are pillars of the state’s economy, an engine in the labor force, and a cultural powerhouse with a rich history woven into the state’s identity,” Pichardo said.

Latinos make up 24% of New Jersey’s population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, making them one of the state’s largest demographic groups.

Pichardo pointed to the 2025 gubernatorial election as evidence of Latino voters’ growing political influence and said Sherrill has an opportunity to make history in her choice of a successor to Caldwell.

“In 2025, Latinos demonstrated the level of electoral power they wield statewide by becoming a deciding factor in the gubernatorial race,” she said. “While more Latinos now represent New Jersey in state and local government, no Latino has ever served in New Jersey’s executive branch, and we currently have no statewide representation.”

Caldwell resigned on Friday after an independent investigation substantiated allegations of sexual harassment and ethics violations.  Sherrill had demanded his resignation after the report, conducted by former Attorney General Christopher Porrino and the Lowenstein Sandler law firm, was released.

The governor appoints the lieutenant governor to fill a vacancy, rather than electing them in a special election.

“Governor Sherrill has a unique opportunity to appoint a talented, qualified Latino or Latina leader who reflects the state’s diversity — and there is no better time than now,” Pichardo said. “We urge Governor Sherrill to take this important, historic step.”

The Latino Victory Project is a national organization focused on increasing Latino political representation and influence.

One top Hispanic leader offered a list of potential candidates to replace Caldwell: Assembly Speaker Pro-Tempore Annette Quijano (D-Elizabeth); Patricia Campos-Medina, a labor leader and 2024 U.S. Senate candidate who worked on Sherrill’s campaign; Luis de la Hoz, the president of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; and Latino Action Network President Christian Estevez.