Additional Coverage:
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill announced Thursday evening that she has given Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell a deadline of tomorrow to resign following an independent investigation that found he violated state ethics and harassment policies.
In a statement on X, Sherrill said, “The investigation found that the Lieutenant Governor engaged in serious, repeated violations of state policy and failed to uphold the responsibilities of his office. I’m calling for his resignation and giving him until tomorrow to do so.”
Earlier this month, the state retained a law firm to look into allegations that Caldwell, a Democrat who was elected alongside Sherrill last year, behaved inappropriately toward women. Despite multiple warnings and ethics trainings, Sherrill noted that Caldwell’s misconduct persisted.
She emphasized the severity of the findings, stating, “The substantiated finding of sexual harassment is extremely troubling. I’ve seen firsthand how a hostile culture can undermine everyone’s ability to succeed.
It’s insidious and ruptures the trust within an organization.” She added that the investigation was thorough, safeguarded privacy, and that Caldwell’s resignation is necessary for the best interests of New Jersey residents.
Caldwell’s attorneys, however, strongly contested the report’s conclusions. In a statement, lawyer Thomas Calcagni criticized the investigation as biased and lacking due process, saying Caldwell was not given a fair chance to respond to the anonymous allegations or present witnesses with direct knowledge.
The 61-page report detailed that Caldwell sexually harassed a young female staffer and her friend. It also found that he violated ethics rules by attempting to promote a state employee with whom he was romantically involved without disclosing their relationship, and by regularly bringing personal guests to ticketed events without paying or reimbursing for tickets.
State Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco called the findings “deeply disappointing” and urged swift action. “This situation has gone on for far too long, and if he doesn’t agree to resign, the Legislature should follow the necessary protocols to resolve this matter once and for all,” Bucco said.
Caldwell is the fourth person to hold the lieutenant governor position in New Jersey since it was created by referendum in 2005. The role includes stepping in as governor when needed-a duty Caldwell has performed multiple times since the investigation began. He also serves as the state’s secretary of state, overseeing elections-a critical responsibility with midterm elections approaching this November.