Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill is beginning to put a clear stamp on her incoming administration, with a series of consequential cabinet decisions unfolding as her inauguration approaches. The most immediate development comes Monday, when Sherrill is expected to formally unveil her choice for New Jersey Attorney General, a position that will help define the tone and priorities of her governorship from day one.
According to multiple reports, Sherrill will nominate Jennifer Davenport to serve as the state’s top law enforcement official. The announcement is scheduled to take place in Newark, underscoring both the symbolic and practical importance of the role in a state where public safety, accountability, and institutional trust remain central concerns.
Davenport brings a deep and varied legal résumé to the post. A career prosecutor with extensive federal and state experience, she previously served as First Assistant Attorney General and later as Acting Attorney General’s principal law enforcement advisor. Her background also includes seven years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of New Jersey, where she rose to lead the General Crimes Unit. Earlier in her career, Davenport worked as a litigation associate in major Newark law firms and clerked for the late Chief Judge John Bissell of the U.S. District Court. She is also a former intelligence analyst with the Drug Enforcement Administration, experience that has shaped her approach to complex investigations and interagency coordination.
If confirmed, Davenport would step into a role that is expected to be highly active during Sherrill’s first year in office, particularly as the administration confronts issues ranging from public corruption and organized crime to consumer protection and civil rights enforcement.
While the Attorney General announcement represents the most immediate personnel decision, it is only one piece of a much larger transition puzzle. Several major cabinet posts remain open and are expected to be filled in the coming weeks. Among them are the positions of State Treasurer, Health Commissioner, and Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection, each of which will play a critical role in shaping fiscal policy, public health strategy, and environmental regulation under the new governor.
Transportation is also looming as a defining challenge. Sherrill is expected to name new leadership at NJ Transit, an agency that has faced persistent operational and reliability issues in recent years. Given her emphasis on infrastructure and economic competitiveness during the campaign, the choice of a transit chief will be closely watched by commuters, business leaders, and local officials alike.
In addition, the retirement of State Police Superintendent Col. Patrick Callahan ahead of the new administration creates another high-profile vacancy. Selecting the next leader of the State Police will carry significant implications for public safety policy, internal reform, and coordination with federal law enforcement partners.
Sherrill has already filled several senior roles that offer insight into how her administration will function internally. Lieutenant Governor-elect Dale Caldwell will also serve as Secretary of State, overseeing elections, cultural affairs, and business services. Alex Ball has been named Chief of Staff, positioning him as a central figure in managing day-to-day operations and legislative strategy. Tim Leiden will serve as Chief Counsel, while Kellie Doucette has been appointed Chief Operating Officer and transition executive director, overseeing the mechanics of assembling the new government.
Beyond individual appointments, Sherrill has also assembled an expansive transition structure designed to inform policy across a wide range of issue areas. Ten transition action teams have been formed, each co-chaired by experienced national and state leaders. These groups are tasked with developing recommendations on energy, economic development, healthcare, education, and other core priorities. The inclusion of high-profile former federal officials reflects an effort to blend national expertise with New Jersey–specific policy needs.
Taken together, the early appointments and pending decisions suggest an administration focused on experience, operational competence, and institutional knowledge. The selection of Davenport as Attorney General, in particular, signals an emphasis on professional continuity and enforcement credibility rather than ideological experimentation.
As the inauguration draws closer, attention will continue to center on how Sherrill fills the remaining cabinet posts and whether those choices reinforce the pragmatic tone set by her first announcements. For ongoing coverage and analysis of New Jersey’s evolving political landscape, visit Explore New Jersey’s politics section.
