NJ Governor Demands Lieutenant Governor's Resignation After Sexual Harassment Findings
An independent probe found Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell engaged in sexual harassment, including trying to promote a girlfriend and making inappropriate comments.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has called for the resignation of Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell following a comprehensive sexual harassment investigation that detailed multiple instances of misconduct. The independent report found that Caldwell, 66, misused his position to benefit a romantic partner, made an offensive sexual comment to a staffer, and disregarded warnings about his behavior.
Sherrill announced her demand for Caldwell's resignation Thursday evening, stating, "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 61-page report, released by the law firm Lowenstein Sandler, concluded that Caldwell's actions "constituted sexual harassment and was derogatory or demeaning." The investigation was initiated in May after an anonymous letter alleging inappropriate behavior toward women prompted the governor's office to act.
One particularly disturbing incident detailed in the report occurred in April 2026. Caldwell reportedly made advances toward a significantly younger friend of a staffer at an official event. Following rejection, he allegedly made a lewd remark to a female aide in his state vehicle, stating, "you young women are looking for young sperm."
Caldwell's attorney, however, criticized the investigation, asserting in a statement to NJ.com that the "protected and one-sided process lacked the requisite due process that should be afforded every citizen of this state."
The probe, which has reportedly cost taxpayers $50,000, was conducted quietly until recent allegations surfaced publicly. Governor Sherrill had refrained from commenting on the investigation until her public statement on Thursday.
The inquiry comes seven months after Sherrill and Caldwell were sworn into office. In July 2025, Sherrill had praised Caldwell, calling him "a voice for the voiceless" and someone "committed to New Jersey" when she selected him as her running mate.
Republican leaders in New Jersey had previously called for Caldwell to be placed on leave pending the investigation's outcome. State Senate Minority Leader Anthony Bucco urged Caldwell to "temporarily step down from his duties as Lieutenant Governor" on X on September 4, citing the "complex duties of his position."