New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill called on Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell to resign by Friday following an independent investigation that substantiated sexual harassment and multiple state ethics violations. Caldwell’s legal counsel strongly disputed the findings, arguing the report went further than the evidence supports.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill Demands Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell Resign
New Jersey’s political landscape shifted abruptly when Gov. Mikie Sherrill demanded the immediate resignation of her handpicked second-in-command, Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell. The ultimatum follows the release of a comprehensive inquiry led by former state Attorney General Christopher Porrino.
As Governor Mikie Sherrill’s partner in the administration, Dr. Dale G. Caldwell functions as the 35th Secretary of State and the 4th Lieutenant Governor for New Jersey. As Secretary of State, Dr. Caldwell leads the New Jersey Department of State and serves as New Jersey’s chief election officer. Working to foster statewide opportunity and construct a more affordable Garden State, he utilizes decades of management background spanning business, faith, community development, education, and government in this capacity.
Service, faith, and justice are deeply rooted in his family legacy. Dr. Caldwell’s mother was an educator, and his father, the Rev. Gilbert Caldwell, was a prominent civil rights leader who marched alongside the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Before taking office, Dr. Caldwell headed Centenary University as its President, directing key initiatives centered on student success, innovation, access, and workforce development. Media reports surfaced during August indicating Caldwell faced an internal inquiry regarding potential ethics breaches—such as purported offers of state jobs—and accusations of inappropriate conduct involving women. The investigation was conducted by former state Attorney General Christopher Porrino.
The Independent Investigation and Substantiated Findings
The report concluded that Caldwell committed serious, repeated violations of state policy and engaged in behavior that investigators classified as sexual harassment. According to the inquiry, the lieutenant governor made a romantic advance toward a female staffer’s friend and, upon rejection, told the staffer that you young women are looking for young sperm.
The investigation found that Caldwell told a female staffer that you young women are looking for young sperm
after she told him her younger friend was not interested in a romantic relationship with him. Investigators determined the sexually charged comment amounted to sexual harassment, noting that Caldwell’s assertion that he never uttered the remark lacked credibility. The employee mentioned that she subsequently tried to keep a professional distance from Caldwell and steer clear of trips with him whenever feasible.
The investigation further substantiated ethics violations. According to the Thursday report, investigators found believable proof that Caldwell pursued a romantic advance toward the friend of a female employee. The inquiry also revealed that Caldwell repeatedly pushed for a promotion for a state worker with whom he shared an undisclosed romantic connection. The inquiry additionally uncovered proof that Caldwell brought personal guests to ticketed functions without securing the mandatory ethics approval.
Sherrill said Caldwell’s ethical lapses persisted despite multiple warnings and trainings. 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,
Sherrill wrote, in part.
Defense Attorney Thomas Calcagni Rejects Conclusions as Unsubstantiated
Defense Attorney Rejects Conclusions as Unsubstantiated
Caldwell’s defense attorney, Thomas Calcagni, pushed back forcefully against the conclusions. Through his attorney, Caldwell is denying the allegations. Caldwell’s attorney disputes the report’s conclusions and says the conclusions go further than the evidence supports. Caldwell denies making the comment, according to his attorney. Caldwell’s attorney, Thomas Calcagni, rejected the characterization of his client’s conduct.
Political Fallout and State Leadership Pressures
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 statement. Today, I’m announcing the conclusion and findings of an independent investigation into allegations regarding Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell,
Sherrill wrote on X. The investigation found that the Lieutenant Governor engaged in serious, repeated violations of state policy and failed to uphold the responsibilities of his office. I’m calling for his resignation and giving him until tomorrow to do so.
I’m calling for his resignation and giving him until tomorrow to do so,
Sherrill said Thursday. Sherrill gave Caldwell until Friday to step down.
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