New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell Resigns a Day After Gov. Mikie Sherrill Releases an Ethics Report Substantiating Sexual Harassment and Demands He Step Down — Sherrill Says Trenton's Culture Has Been "to Sweep This Under the Rug," While Caldwell Says His Resignation "Should Not Be Interpreted as an Admission of Wrongdoing"
On Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill released an independent investigation, conducted by former state Attorney General Christopher Porrino, that found Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell committed "serious, repeated violations of state policy, including ethical lapses and a substantiated finding of sexual harassment," and called on him to resign. The report said Caldwell made sexually inappropriate comments to a staffer after a staffer's friend rebuffed his advances, and tried repeatedly to secure a promotion for a state employee with whom he had a romantic relationship. Caldwell resigned the next afternoon, Sept. 25, while disputing the findings; his lawyer said counsel was "fully exploring all legal remedies." Caldwell also served as secretary of state, New Jersey's chief election official, 39 days before the midterms — Sherrill named Acting Comptroller Shirley Emehelu acting secretary of state and said she would appoint a permanent lieutenant governor within the 45 days state law allows.
“New Jerseyans deserve to have public servants who work to earn and keep their trust, not undermine it.”