NJ Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigns after ethics and harassment probe
- Dale Caldwell resigned on Friday following an independent investigation that concluded he violated state ethics and workplace harassment policies.
- Lawyers hired by the state found credible evidence supporting multiple ethics and workplace complaints against Caldwell, according to the report.
- Caldwell and his legal team strongly disputed the report's conclusions.
New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigned on Friday following an independent investigation that concluded he violated state ethics and workplace harassment policies. Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced the resignation at an afternoon press conference, stating that Caldwell submitted his resignation earlier that day. Sherrill had issued an ultimatum on Thursday demanding Caldwell’s resignation by the end of the week, following the release of a 61-page investigative report conducted by an outside law firm. In that statement, Sherrill said Caldwell engaged in serious, repeated violations of state policy and failed to uphold the responsibilities of his office.
Resignation Follows Damning Ethics Probe
Findings Detail Harassment and Ethics Breaches
Lawyers hired by the state found credible evidence supporting multiple ethics and workplace complaints against Caldwell, according to the report. Investigators determined he violated workplace rules by commenting to a female staffer that young women want young sperm. Additional findings concluded he breached ethics codes by bringing personal guests to ticketed events without paying or reimbursing costs, and by attempting to secure a promotion for a state employee with whom he shared a romantic relationship.
Legal Team Disputes Report Conclusions
Caldwell and his legal team strongly disputed the report’s conclusions. Attorney Thomas Calcagni said Thursday night that the inquiry went further than the evidence supported and lacked the due process every citizen should be afforded. Calcagni maintained that Caldwell never made the sperm remark or used his position to advance a romantic relationship, stating that his recommendation of a female colleague for a promotion was based solely on her qualifications.
Governor Defends Thoroughness of Investigation
Sherrill defended the integrity of the investigation on Friday, noting its thoroughness and pointing out that Caldwell’s own statements were included in the findings. Addressing criticisms of why she previously allowed Caldwell to step in as acting governor during absences, Sherrill cited her background as a former federal prosecutor and emphasized the importance of a fair hearing before taking swift action upon seeing the final investigative results.
Succession Plans and Election Oversight
Beyond his role as lieutenant governor, Caldwell also served as New Jersey secretary of state, a position that oversees the state’s upcoming midterm elections. Sherrill announced that state acting comptroller Shirley Emehelu will take over as acting secretary of state. Sherrill praised Emehelu as a veteran of the U.S. Department of Justice and the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office who possesses the necessary judgment to run the elections. Under New Jersey law, a permanent replacement for the lieutenant governor must be appointed within 45 days of the vacancy. Sherrill stated that she intends to make a permanent appointment within that window following consultations with her chief counsel, while an order of command—beginning with the state Senate president—covers gubernatorial absences in the interim.
