NJ Governor Calls on Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell to Resign After Ethics Probe Finds Credible Harassment and Conduct Violations

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill has publicly urged Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell to resign after a report released on Sept. 24 detailed alleged ethics violations and credible evidence of sexual harassment involving a subordinate.

Findings From the Report

The investigation concluded there was credible evidence that Caldwell made a "romantic advance toward a female staffer's friend" and responded with a lewd comment when the advance was rejected. Investigators found that the remark "had the effect of unreasonably interfering with the staffer's work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment."

The report also documents multiple alleged ethics breaches. It says Caldwell repeatedly brought personal guests to ticketed events without obtaining clearance or reimbursing the state, despite prior trainings on ethics and the code of conduct. Investigators further found "credible evidence" that Caldwell attempted on more than one occasion to advance the career of a state employee with whom he had a romantic relationship.

Several witnesses told investigators they had heard Caldwell was seeking a "first lady," apparently in connection with a possible future run for governor. Staff members said comments about "executive presence" and having "one on each arm" were interpreted as references to the physical appearance of staff.

How the Probe Began

The investigation began after an anonymous letter alleging inappropriate conduct and potential ethics violations was filed with the state’s chief ethics officer in May. The probe was conducted by former New Jersey Attorney General Christopher Porrino, and the matter was first reported by The New Jersey Globe in early September.

Then-Lt. Gov.-elect Dale Caldwell stands as then-Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill fields questions from reporters during a news conference on the gubernatorial transition on Nov. 5, 2025.

Responses and Next Steps

Gov. Mikie Sherrill: "In New Jersey, I will not accept a culture that sweeps misconduct under the rug. We have to be better than that — people expect and deserve better."

Sherrill said Caldwell's resignation "is necessary and in the best interest of New Jersey residents," adding that the findings represented "serious, repeated violations of state policy" and a failure to uphold the responsibilities of his office.

Thomas Calcagni, a lawyer for Caldwell, said the report's conclusions "went further than the evidence supported" and denied that Caldwell made the lewd remark attributed to him. Calcagni added that the lieutenant governor "participated in the investigative process faithfully" but did not receive what the lawyer called "the requisite due process" and was not given a meaningful opportunity to address anonymous allegations or identify first-hand witnesses.

Caldwell has consistently denied the allegations through his attorneys.

Additional Context

Besides serving as lieutenant governor, Caldwell is New Jersey’s secretary of state and the state's top elections official. In July, Gov. Sherrill disclosed that a software flaw led to up to 6,600 non-U.S. citizens being registered to vote in New Jersey in 2023 and 2024, though fewer than 400 cast ballots. She noted the registrations were split between Democrats and Republicans and said the findings did not support claims of widespread noncitizen voting.

When asked whether the Caldwell report might distract from midterm election preparations, Sherrill said her administration was "working around the clock" to ensure elections are "fair and safe." Her office declined to comment on whether any formal restrictions had been placed on Caldwell's authority or whether upcoming travel would require him to serve as acting governor. Both Sherrill and Caldwell assumed office in January.

Contributing: Sarah D. Wire, USA TODAY