New Jersey Governor Demands Lieutenant Governor Resign Over Misconduct Allegations

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has called for the resignation of her hand-picked lieutenant governor, Dale Caldwell, after an independent law firm concluded he engaged in inappropriate conduct around women and violated state ethics rules. The firm's report, released Wednesday, detailed findings that Caldwell behaved inappropriately, including making a lewd comment to a staffer's friend and recommending a promotion for a woman with whom he was in a personal relationship.

Sherrill stated Thursday that the investigation found Caldwell committed "serious, repeated violations of state policy and failed to uphold the responsibilities of his office." She added that these substantiated violations reflect "a pattern of behavior that does not meet the standards of this Administration" and that his resignation is "in the best interest of New Jersey residents."

Caldwell's attorney, Thomas Calcagni, has disputed the findings, asserting the investigation was one-sided and lacked due process. He stated that Caldwell "categorically denies" making the alleged comment about women wanting sperm, noting that a state trooper present at the time did not hear it. Calcagni acknowledged Caldwell recommended a promotion for a woman he was dating but maintained she was qualified for the position and that he did not order her promotion.

"There is a difference between failing to disclose a personal relationship when forwarding the resume of a qualified job applicant and actually using the power of public office to secure a job or financial benefit for someone," Calcagni said.

The report also detailed seven instances between February 19 and May 23 where Caldwell allegedly brought guests to ticketed events without paying for their admission. These events included functions at the State Opera of New Jersey and a Rowan University scholarship luncheon, with ticket costs ranging from $65 to $300.

Caldwell, who is Black, previously denied accusations of ethical violations in May, calling false accusations "categorically untrue" and suggesting they were commonplace in the current political environment, especially against people of color.

Caldwell, a Methodist pastor, served as president of Centenary University for two years before being elected lieutenant governor. While the governor selects their running mate for the lieutenant governor position, it is an independently elected office. Governor Sherrill cannot directly fire Caldwell but can remove him from certain responsibilities, effectively sidelining him from active state government roles. The lieutenant governor can be removed from office by the Legislature through impeachment.

As lieutenant governor, Caldwell is first in line to succeed Sherrill. The office, while not purely ceremonial, is largely subordinate to the governor.