New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill has given Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell until the end of Friday to resign, following a four-month investigation that found credible evidence he sexually harassed a female staffer’s friend and committed multiple ethics violations.
“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 a written statement. “Anyone who violates these will be held accountable.”
What the Investigation Found Against Caldwell
The inquiry was led by former New Jersey Attorney General Chris Porrino. Investigators determined that Caldwell made a romantic advance toward a female staffer’s friend, which was rebuffed. According to the report, Caldwell then said, “You young women are looking for young sperm.” The comment caused the staffer to change how she interacted with him, and she began avoiding travel with him.
The report concluded that “the LG’s conduct constituted sexual harassment, and was derogatory or demeaning in reference to the staffer’s sex, which is a protected category.” Caldwell denied making the remark, but investigators said they did not find his denial credible. Reporting on the Dale Caldwell harassment investigation details the full scope of the findings, including the ethics breaches.
Ethics Violations and Improper Promotion Attempt
Beyond the harassment finding, investigators concluded that Caldwell repeatedly brought personal guests to ticketed events without advance ethics clearance and without paying or reimbursing for the tickets. “The LG continued this practice after receiving formal and informal guidance on the applicable ethics rules,” the report states.
Investigators also found that Caldwell tried to secure a promotion for a state employee with whom he was in a romantic relationship. Less than a month after completing ethics and workplace conduct training, he used his state email account to pressure a state official to give the woman a promotion. The week before that message, he had made the same request to a different official in the same department.
Sherrill’s Next Steps and Call for Resignation
Sherrill, a former federal prosecutor, framed her demand in terms of both accountability and the interests of New Jersey residents. “The investigation fully examined the evidence, followed the facts, and protected everyone’s privacy,” she said. “In my Administration, we are committed to doing what is right, not what is politically expedient. The Lieutenant Governor’s resignation is necessary and in the best interest of New Jersey residents.
It remains to be seen whether Caldwell will comply with the governor’s deadline. If he does not resign voluntarily, Sherrill will face the question of what further steps her administration can take to remove him from office.
