New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill has demanded that Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resign after an independent investigation found her hand-picked running mate committed sexual harassment and repeatedly violated state ethics rules.
The Democratic governor gave Caldwell until Friday to step down after releasing a 61-page report detailing allegations involving inappropriate comments toward women, efforts to help a romantic partner land a promotion and the use of his public position to bring personal guests to ticketed events.
“I’m calling for his resignation and giving him until tomorrow to do so,” Sherrill declared in a statement on Thursday evening.
“I hold everyone in my Administration to the highest ethical standard. We all have a duty to follow our state ethics and harassment policy and our Code of Conduct. Anyone who violates these will be held accountable.”
The outside investigation was launched after the governor’s office received an anonymous complaint in May concerning Caldwell’s behavior.
Investigators concluded that one workplace harassment allegation was substantiated, finding credible evidence that Caldwell made a romantic advance toward the friend of a female staffer during an official event.
After being rejected, Caldwell allegedly told the staffer that “you young women are looking for young sperm,” according to the report.
The investigation concluded that the remark “constituted sexual harassment and was derogatory or demeaning.”
Caldwell’s attorney, Thomas Calcagni, disputed that his client made the comment.
The report also found that Caldwell sought a promotion for a state employee with whom he was romantically involved without revealing the relationship.
Caldwell reportedly referred to the woman as a friend while contacting state officials about a senior leadership position for her.
Investigators found that conduct violated New Jersey’s Uniform Ethics Code.
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“There is a difference between failing to disclose a personal relationship when forwarding the résumé of a qualified job applicant and actually using the power of public office to secure a job or financial benefit for someone,” Calcagni told NJ.com.
The report rejected that defense, concluding that the ethics rules prohibit officials from using their position in an attempt to benefit a romantic partner regardless of whether the request was framed as a demand.
The woman ultimately did not receive the promotion and is no longer employed by the state.
Investigators also examined allegations that Caldwell brought personal guests, including his daughter and girlfriend, to multiple ticketed events while using his official position to secure admission.
Caldwell told investigators he did not fully understand the rules and believed some of the restrictions were unclear, according to the report.
Another allegation centered on Caldwell reportedly asking a staffer to help find him a “first lady” in connection with a possible future run for governor.
The report said the staffer declined and described Caldwell as becoming “pushy” about the request.
Caldwell has rejected the investigation’s overall conclusions.
His attorney described the process as “this unnecessary protected and one-sided process lacked the requisite due process that should be afforded every citizen of this state.”
Caldwell separately said the investigation was “driven by misinformation, false assumptions and what seems to be a personal vendetta against me,” according to The New York Times.
“Unfortunately, in this current political environment, false accusations, especially against people of color, seem to be commonplace,” he wrote.
The controversy erupted just months into the Mikie Sherrill administration after she selected Caldwell as her running mate during the 2025 gubernatorial race.
At the time, Sherrill praised Caldwell’s background and public service record.
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“I’m proud to select Dale Caldwell as my Lieutenant Governor running mate because we share a commitment to public service and challenging the status quo,” Sherrill said at the time.
“Dale is the son of civil rights leaders who marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Selma — and he’s followed in his parents’ footsteps and he has always been a voice for the voiceless.”
The investigation concluded that Caldwell’s misconduct continued despite previous warnings and workplace training.
Sherrill said Thursday that the findings demonstrated a pattern that did not meet the standards of her administration and that Caldwell’s resignation was necessary.
Under New Jersey law, however, the governor cannot simply fire the lieutenant governor because the position is an elected constitutional office. Caldwell would have to resign or face the constitutional impeachment process.
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[ H/T Trending Politics ]
