New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill has curtailed out-of-state travel while an internal probe into Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell unfolds. Caldwell, who also serves as secretary of state, faces allegations related to interactions with women and potential ethics violations; former AG Christopher Porrino is leading the review. The controversy complicates Sherrill’s national ambitions — her political groups reported about $6 million raised and announced 12 out-of-state endorsements — and removal of an elected lieutenant governor would require impeachment.
Sherrill’s National Push Paused as Internal Probe Into Lt. Gov. Caldwell Keeps Her Grounded
Investigation into NJ's lieutenant governor grounds Mikie Sherrill
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill has scaled back out-of-state travel as an internal investigation into Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell creates political uncertainty about who would serve as acting governor during her absences.
Sherrill had been building a well-funded national profile. Her affiliated political groups — including a super PAC and a dark-money organization billed as "Mission to Deliver" — have reported roughly $6 million in fundraising and in August announced a slate of 12 out-of-state endorsements, all veterans like Sherrill. The governor made at least one short campaign trip to New England earlier this year to support several of those candidates.
Why she’s staying put: Caldwell, who is also New Jersey’s secretary of state, has been the subject of an internal inquiry into alleged inappropriate conduct with women and possible ethics violations. Because the lieutenant governor becomes acting governor when the governor is out of state for extended periods, Sherrill has largely curtailed travel to avoid handing executive authority to Caldwell while the probe continues.
“It leaves more room for people to conjecture: Has our acting governor been accused of something serious?” said former New Jersey Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg.
According to reporting, some allegations were prompted by an anonymous letter that accused Caldwell of bringing "uninvited female guests" to events and distributing business cards to women he hoped to date. Political insiders have met those specific details with skepticism, and reporting has suggested there could be additional allegations that have not been publicly disclosed.
Who’s investigating: Former New Jersey Attorney General Christopher Porrino has been conducting the review since at least late spring and is expected to deliver findings to Governor Sherrill. The administration has declined to comment beyond saying the governor’s schedule is guided by the best interests of New Jersey residents.
Caldwell has publicly denied wrongdoing. A letter he sent in May to a state ethics official — later obtained by local outlets — says he has never asked anyone out, "hit on" or pursued romantic relationships while performing official duties. Several allies have organized to publicly defend him and questioned the probe’s handling.
Complicating factors: Caldwell’s dual role overseeing the Division of Elections comes as New Jersey begins receiving mail-in ballots for the midterms. Separately, a law firm hired by the Sherrill administration is investigating an apparent software error from years earlier that added about 6,600 noncitizens to the state’s voter rolls.
Even if investigators release a report, removing an elected lieutenant governor is not within the governor’s unilateral authority. Rutgers Law professor Ronald Chen notes that a lieutenant governor can only be removed through impeachment by the Assembly and conviction by the Senate — a high bar that could prolong uncertainty for Sherrill if Caldwell intends to remain in office.
Political fallout: The investigation has put a pause on Sherrill’s visible national activity and could complicate any future plans for a wider role in Democratic politics. Allies urge a swift resolution so the governor can resume campaigning and party-building, while critics demand transparency and, in some quarters, legislative hearings into the matter.
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