New Jersey Governor Sherrill Orders Lieutenant Governor Caldwell to Resign After Ethics Report

Governor Mikie Sherrill told Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell he must resign by the end of the next day after an internal investigation confirmed several violations of state ethics rules and workplace harassment policies. The report, prepared by the law firm Lowenstein, detailed that Caldwell made a derogatory comment about “young sperm” to a female staffer, repeatedly pursued a romantic relationship with a state employee without disclosing it, and brought personal guests to ticketed events without paying or reimbursing the state.

"The investigation found that the lieutenant governor engaged in serious, repeated violations of state policy and failed to uphold the responsibilities of his office," Sherrill said.

Investigators deemed the comment sexist and demeaning under New Jersey’s workplace harassment policy. They also verified that Caldwell used his official email to advocate for the promotion of the employee with whom he had a romantic relationship, a breach of the Uniform Ethics Code and the governor’s Code of Conduct. The report noted that Caldwell had been warned about his conduct toward women in March and again in May, yet the alleged violations continued after those warnings.

Caldwell denied the allegations in a written response to the chief ethics officer, calling them false and misleading. He has not responded to recent calls or texts from the governor’s office. The investigation also found that Caldwell brought guests to at least seven ticketed events, receiving free admission valued between $65 and $300, which violates state ethics rules. He later reimbursed the state $175 for one guest’s attendance.

The governor emphasized that officials who breach ethics and harassment policies will be held accountable and reiterated her commitment to a workplace free of hostile behavior.

Former Attorney General Christopher Porrino’s firm conducted the investigation, which the governor described as thorough and impartial. Caldwell has retained private counsel and has not made a public statement since the investigation became public.