New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell Resigns After Harassment Investigation
Select a version of the text written from a presumed ideological perspective. This is not the original text, but a hypothetical version — how someone with that viewpoint might have phrased it. Tapping the current version again will return to the original or select cleaned version.
Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell stepped down following a substantiated sexual harassment complaint and related ethics violations, prompting Governor Mikie Sherrill to appoint an acting secretary of state.
Governor Mikie Sherrill announced Friday that Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell had submitted his resignation, which she accepted, after a state investigation found a sexual harassment complaint against him was substantiated. The 61-page report also concluded that Caldwell had violated workplace policy by accepting free event tickets for guests and attempting to secure a promotion for a state employee he was dating, though no criminal conduct was identified.
Caldwell denied the allegations, and his attorney Thomas Calcagni said the family will “explore all legal remedies” and continue to challenge the report’s findings. Sherrill said the resignation reflects her commitment to changing the culture within state government and ensuring a safe workplace.
Acting state comptroller Shirley Emehelu was named acting secretary of state to oversee the November elections, a role previously held by Caldwell. The governor has 45 days to appoint a permanent lieutenant governor.
The resignation came after calls from both Democratic and Republican legislators for Caldwell to step down. A coalition of Black New Jersey leaders issued a statement noting that his departure allows the administration to focus on pressing issues such as election integrity and racial disparities.
State Senate President Nick Scutari will serve as acting governor if Sherrill is out of state until a new lieutenant governor is confirmed. Republicans welcomed the resignation but urged greater transparency regarding the investigation’s timeline and handling.