New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill is calling on Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell to resign by Friday, after an independent investigation found what she described as serious and repeated violations of state policy, including a substantiated finding of sexual harassment.
Sherrill announced the conclusion of the investigation Thursday evening, saying Caldwell had failed to uphold the responsibilities of his office and that his resignation was necessary “in the best interest of New Jersey residents.”
Investigation Found a Pattern of Misconduct
According to the governor, the investigation found that Caldwell’s conduct was not limited to a single incident.
Sherrill said the findings showed a pattern of behavior that did not meet the standards of her administration, and that ethical lapses continued despite multiple warnings and trainings.
She described the substantiated finding of sexual harassment as “extremely troubling” and said a hostile workplace culture can undermine trust and employees’ ability to do their jobs.
A 61-page report released Thursday found, among other things, that Caldwell asked a senior female staff member whether her friend was single and made comments suggesting that an ambitious woman needed a man in a position to help her, according to Gothamist’s review of the report.
Sherrill Gives Caldwell Until Friday
Sherrill said she is giving Caldwell until Friday to step down voluntarily.
“I’m calling for his resignation and giving him until tomorrow to do so,” she said in the statement announcing the findings.
The governor said everyone in her administration is expected to comply with New Jersey’s ethics rules, harassment policy and Code of Conduct.
She also said the investigation had been initiated by the administration’s Chief Ethics Officer and conducted by a former New Jersey attorney general, describing the process as thorough and impartial.
Caldwell Denies the Allegations
Caldwell has disputed the findings.
According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, Caldwell, through his attorney, denied the allegations and questioned the thoroughness of the investigation.
That response is important because Thursday’s report represents the findings of the independent investigation commissioned by the administration, while Caldwell continues to contest those conclusions.
Investigation Had Been Underway for Months
Reports that Caldwell was under investigation first became public earlier this month.
At the time, multiple outlets reported that the inquiry concerned alleged inappropriate behavior toward women and possible ethics violations. Sherrill initially said any credible allegation had to be fully examined and that she would take action if the evidence warranted it.
The investigation was led by former New Jersey Attorney General Christopher Porrino, according to earlier reporting.
Caldwell Also Serves as Secretary of State
Caldwell is not only New Jersey’s lieutenant governor. He also serves as Secretary of State, overseeing the Department of State and serving as New Jersey’s chief election officer.
That makes the dispute particularly significant for the state government because Caldwell is one of the highest-ranking officials in the Sherrill administration.
He became New Jersey’s fourth lieutenant governor after running with Sherrill in the 2025 gubernatorial election.
What Happens Next
For now, Caldwell remains in office unless he resigns or further action is taken.
Sherrill has made clear that she expects his resignation by Friday, but the situation is developing rapidly and additional statements from Caldwell or the administration could follow.
The governor framed the decision as an issue of public trust, saying her administration would not tolerate misconduct being ignored or hidden.
The investigation’s findings, Caldwell’s denial and Sherrill’s demand for his resignation now place New Jersey’s second-highest elected official at the center of one of the most serious controversies of the new administration.
Sources: Office of Governor Mikie Sherrill; investigation report released September 24; Gothamist; WHYY; The Philadelphia Inquirer.
By NJ RADAR Team
[…] Sherrill had given Caldwell until Friday to resign after releasing the findings of the investigation Thursday night. In her statement, she said the investigation found that Caldwell failed to uphold the responsibilities of his office and that the conduct identified in the report reflected a pattern that did not meet the standards of her administration. […]
[…] Sherrill called for Caldwell’s resignation on September 24 after releasing the findings of an independent investigation conducted by Lowenstein Sandler LLP. According to the governor’s office, the investigation found “serious, repeated violations of state policy,” including ethical violations and a substantiated finding of sexual harassment. […]