New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell asked to resign after harassment and ethics probe
A four-month investigation concluded that Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell engaged in sexual harassment and breached state ethics rules, prompting Governor Mikie Sherrill to request his resignation.
Governor Mikie Sherrill announced Friday that Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell must resign by the end of the day following a four-month investigation that found he violated state harassment and ethics policies. The probe, led by former Attorney General Chris Porrino, said investigators found credible evidence that Caldwell made a romantic advance toward a female staffer’s friend, which was rejected, and then responded with a demeaning comment about "young women" seeking "young sperm." The staffer subsequently altered her interactions with Caldwell and avoided traveling with him.
The report classified Caldwell’s conduct as sexual harassment, noting it was derogatory toward the staffer’s sex, a protected category, and found his denial of the comment not credible. Additionally, the investigation cited ethics breaches, including bringing personal guests to ticketed events without required clearance or reimbursement, and persisting in the practice after receiving guidance.
Caldwell also allegedly used his official email to lobby for a promotion for a state employee with whom he was romantically involved, contacting two separate officials within a month of completing workplace-conduct training.
"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 in an emailed statement.
"As a former federal prosecutor, I’m committed to ensuring everyone is treated fairly," Sherrill added, emphasizing that the resignation request was based on the investigation’s findings.
The governor said the administration will hold officials accountable to the state’s ethics and harassment standards.