Erin Lanahan There have been several historic firsts in New Jersey in 2026, with women taking leadership positions across the state. One of the most notable was Governor Mikie Sherrill taking office at the beginning of 2026. But, it’s worth mentioning that there are a ton of other women leading parts of New Jersey throughout our state, working in the Governor’s Cabinet, leading law enforcement, and holding Mayoral positions in towns across the state. So we decided to make a list because who runs the world? Girls. Read on to learn more about the women who hold leadership positions in New Jersey in 2026.
Executive Office
Mikie Sherrill, New Jersey’s 57th Governor
Governor Sherrill was sworn in as NJ’s 57th governor on January 20, 2026. She is New Jersey’s second female governor and the first Democratic woman to hold the office. Governor Sherill also served on active duty in the United States Navy for nearly a decade, from 1994 to 2003, making her the first female military veteran elected governor in U.S. history.
Kellie Doucette, Chief Operating Officer of New Jersey
Kellie Doucette is the first-ever Chief Operating Officer of New Jersey. Her role is to manage state operations and improve customer service, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the executive branch. Chief Doucette previously served as District Director for Governor Sherrill when she was a congresswoman.
New Jersey Cabinet
Yvonne L. Mays, The Adjutant General of New Jersey and Commissioner of the New Jersey Dept. of Military and Veterans Affairs
Yvonne L. Mays is the first Black woman to head the New Jersey National Guard. She was formally nominated and later confirmed to serve as the Adjutant General of New Jersey by the Senate in October 2024. General Mays commands more than 8,400 soldiers and airmen of the NJ National Guard. She also leads, directs, and manages the NJ Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and manages all state veterans’ programs, commissions, and facilities in the state.
Read More: Tall Ships Are Sailing Past the NJ Waterfront for America’s 250th Anniversary
Jennifer Davenport, Attorney General
Governor Sherrill nominated Jennifer Davenport to serve as Attorney General of New Jersey, and the State Senate confirmed her in that role in February 2026. In her role, she oversees over 42,000 state and local law enforcement and the 8,000 Department of Law and Public Safety employees. General Davenport’s priorities as Attorney General include protecting communities from gun violence, combating human trafficking, protecting the physical and mental health of children, and promoting affordability for New Jersey residents. General Davenport is a Jersey Girl; she grew up in Cape May County and now resides in Monmouth County with her two daughters.
Dr. Lily Laux, Commissioner of Education
A lifelong educator and public servant, Dr. Lily Laux was confirmed to the role of Commissioner of Education in February 2026. Her job is to oversee the state’s public school system and lead the implementation of Governor Sherrill’s education priorities.
Susan Ochs, Acting Commissioner of Banking + Insurance
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Susan Ochs, a New Jersey native, is now serving as the Commissioner of the Department of Banking + Insurance. Commissioner Ochs oversees Get Covered NJ, the state healthcare exchange. She also manages the banking, insurance, real estate, and healthcare markets, focusing on consumer protection.
Victoria L. Kuhn, Commissioner, Dept. of Corrections
Victoria Kuhn has served as Commissioner of the Department of Corrections since 2022. She has more than 26 years of experience as an attorney with the State of New Jersey. Commissioner Kuhn is responsible for around 6,600 employees and the oversight of 13,000 state-sentenced people housed across nine correctional facilities, county jails, and Residential Community Reintegration Programs.
Christine Norbut Beyer, Interim Commissioner, Dept. of Children & Families
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Christine Norbut Beyer has served as the Commissioner of the Department of Children and Families since 2018. As of 2026, she’s serving in an interim capacity while the search for her replacement continues. Her position leads an agency focused on child welfare and family preservation.
Margo Chaly, Acting Secretary of Higher Education
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Margo Chaly’s role is to act as the primary advisor to the Governor on higher education policy, such as college affordability, access, and student success. Her role also works to align university research with state economic needs. Secretary Chaly is the former executive director of the NJ Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (NJHESAA). The Seton Hall Law alumna was nominated to this position in January 2026.
Rosalie Johnson, Acting Administrator, Motor Vehicle Commission
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Rosalie Johnson’s current role is to lead the agency, focusing on reducing wait times, improving road safety, and making services like REAL ID more accessible. Ms. Johnson is the former top official at the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles.
Shirley Emehelu, Acting State Comptroller
Shirley Emehelu previously served as Executive Assistant Attorney General of New Jersey from 2022-2024 before stepping into the State Comptroller role in 2026. She leads the independent state agency that promotes efficiency, transparency, and accountability for all levels of state and local government. Comptroller Emehelu is still waiting for Senate confirmation.
Jacquelyn Suárez, Commissioner, Dept. of Community Affairs
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Jacquelyn Suárez was named Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs in 2023. She works to provide residents, local governments, businesses, and community development organizations with financial support, administrative guidance, and technical assistance. Suárez oversees more than 1,000 employees.
Christine Guhl-Sadovy, President, Board of Public Utilities
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Christine Guhl-Sadovy was nominated to serve as a Commissioner in 2023, but shortly after was named President. Her job is to oversee the provision of safe, reliable, and affordable energy, water, and phone services. Since taking the position, President Guhl-Sadovy has focused on navigating rising electricity costs, strengthening the state’s energy infrastructure, and improving utility affordability.
Priya Jain, Commissioner, Dept. of Transportation
Priya Jain was sworn in as Commissioner of the Department of Transportation in March of 2026. Not only does this role oversee the department that manages the state’s multi-faceted transportation network, but also serves as Chair of New Jersey Transit, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, and the South Jersey Transportation Authority. Commissioner Priya says she’s committed to delivering an affordable, reliable, and modern transportation system to New Jersey.
Jeanne Hengemuhle, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police
Governor Sherrill nominated Jeanne Hengemuhle to serve as the next superintendent of the New Jersey State Police in 2026. Superintendent Hengemuhle is a 26-year veteran of the force and is the first woman and first openly gay official to lead the agency. The Bergen County native previously served as the Branch Commander of the Administration Branch of the New Jersey State Police before retiring in 2024.
U.S. Congress/Federal Representation
Bonnie Watson Coleman, U.S. Representative, NJ-12 (Mercer/Middlesex/Monmouth)
Bonnie Watson Coleman was the first Black woman elected to Congress from New Jersey in 2014. The Democrat was born and raised in New Jersey and graduated from Rutgers. Representative Coleman announced she will not seek re-election in 2026.
See More: 33 Famous Women From New Jersey in Honor of Women’s History Month
LaMonica McIver, U.S. Representative, NJ-10 (Essex/Hudson/Union)
LaMonic McIver was elected to Congress in a special election to succeed Donald Payne Jr., who died in office in 2024. The Democrat is a former Newark Council President and the first Black woman to represent NJ-10.
Nellie Pou, U.S. Representative, NJ-9 (Bergen/Passaic)
Nellie Pou made history as the first Latina from New Jersey elected to the House of Representatives. The Democrat is a former New Jersey State Senator and currently holds key roles on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the House Homeland Security Committee.
New Jersey Legislature
Teresa Ruiz, New Jersey Senate Majority Leader
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Teresa Ruiz has served as the Senate Majority Leader in New Jersey since 2022. She is the first Latina to lead either the Assembly or the Senate in New Jersey history. Senator Ruiz represents the 29th district, which comprises Essex and Hudson Counties. She has built a reputation for turning ideas into policy, mostly in education, public health, and economics.
Renee C. Burgess, State Senator, District 28 (Essex)
Renee C. Burgess was appointed to her role in the State Senate by a special convention of Essex County Democrats in 2022. It followed the retirement of Ronald Rice. The Democrat is the first State Senator from Irvington.
Eliana Pintor Marin, Assemblywoman, District 29 (Essex/Hudson)
Eliana Pintor Marin has been serving the General Assembly since 2013. The Democrat filled the seat after Alberto Coutinho resigned the same year. She serves the General Assembly with Shanique Speight.
Shanique Speight, Assemblywoman, District 29 (Essex/Hudson)
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Shanquie Speight was elected to serve District 29 in 2017 and continues to serve the General Assembly with Eliana Pintor Marin. The Democrat previously served as an aide to Senator Teresa Ruiz.
Andrea Katz, Assemblywoman, District 8 (Burlington)
Andrea Katz took office in 2024. She is the lead sponsor of social media youth safety legislation in New Jersey.
Lisa Swain, Assemblywoman, District 38
Lisa Swain was elected to her role in 2018. Previously she was the Mayor of the Borough of Fair Lawn and a Councilwoman.
Tennille McCoy, Assemblywoman, District 14 (Mercer/Middlesex)
Tennille McCoy was elected in 2024 and represents Hamilton, East Windsor, Monroe Township, and surrounding communities in New Jersey.
Marisa Sweeney, Assemblywoman, District 25
Marisa Sweeney was elected in 2025. She is the first Democrat to represent the 25th District in almost 50 years.
Maureen Rowan, Assemblywoman, District 2
Maureen Rowan was elected in 2025, defeating incumbent Claire Swift. The retired attorney lives in Atlantic City and serves alongside Republican Don Guardian.
County & Local Government
Megan McClusky, Police Chief, Hopatcong Police Dept.
The 19-year veteran of the force was promoted to Police Chief in 2022. Megan McClusky replaced Robert Brennan, who retired after 10 years as chief. She is the first woman to be named police chief in Sussex County.
Dr. Renee Baskerville, Mayor of Montclair
Dr. Renee Baskerville is township’s first Black woman mayor. The physician and former councilwoman was elected mayor of Montclair in 2024.
Marie Lawrence, Mayor of Winslow Township
Marie Lawrence was appointed mayor of Winslow Township in 2022. She previously served as Deputy Mayor from 2009 to 2022. Mayor Lawrence made history as the first Black mayor of Winslow Township.
Samantha Whitfield, Mayor of Willingboro Township
Samantha Whitfield was chosen as mayor of Willingboro Township in 2026. She was also mayor in 2025 and deputy mayor in 2023. Mayor Whitfield also served as an elected member of the Township Council since 2020.
Janet W. Tucci, Mayor of West Long Branch
Janet Tucci was elected as mayor of West Long Branch in 2005 and is running unopposed for reelection in 2026. The Republican also serves on the NJ League of Municipalities Executive Board and chairs the Women in Municipal Government Committee.
Emily B. Jabbour, Mayor of Hoboken
Emily Jabbour was elected mayor of Hoboken in 2025. The Democrat is the second woman to hold the office. Previously, she served on the Hoboken City Council as a councilmember-at-large.
Bonus: Bi-State Agencies
Kathryn Garcia, Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
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Kathryn Garcia serves as the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, a bi-state agency that oversees major transit infrastructure like bridges and tunnels. Director Garcia was appointed in 2026 and became the first woman to lead the agency.
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