Gov. Sherrill addresses misconduct reports as Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell remains under investigation
TRENTON, N.J. — Gov. Mikie Sherrill said reports of inappropriate behavior or misconduct must be taken seriously and fully examined, issuing a statement as Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell remains the subject of an internal investigation. Sherrill did not mention Caldwell by name in the statement.
New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell is the subject of an internal investigation by Sherrill’s administration over allegations of inappropriate behavior toward women and possible ethics violations, according to a report from the New Jersey Globe.
The Globe reported Friday that the investigation includes allegations involving the purported offer of state jobs. Few details about the specific allegations have been made public.
“Public service is an honor. And I have spent a lifetime of service in the Navy, as a prosecutor, in Congress, and now as Governor. I know that jobs of public trust impact the lives of everyday people and I deeply respect the oaths and responsibilities of these positions.
“Because of this respect, I demand that everyone in my administration hold themselves to the highest standards and put their obligations to public service first.
“I take my responsibility to treat any reports of inappropriate behavior or misconduct extremely seriously, and any credible report must be fully examined and addressed. If the evidence warrants, I will take appropriate action quickly.
“At the same time, I have a vital responsibility to the safety and privacy of every person. Anyone must know that they can come forward with a complaint and they will be safe from retaliation. The subject of a complaint must also know and be confident that their rights will be protected as well and they will receive a fair and thorough review.
“Let me be clear, I do not back down from tough fights or tough conversations, and I will always put the interests of New Jerseyans first.”
Former New Jersey Attorney General Christopher Porrino has been brought in by the Sherrill administration to conduct the investigation, according to the Globe. Porrino and Shantae Gray, a former assistant U.S. attorney and one of his law partners, have been interviewing complainants and potential witnesses. Caldwell, 66, is cooperating with the investigation, the Globe reported.
Sherrill’s office had not previously publicly confirmed the investigation.
“The governor would take any reports of inappropriate behavior or misconduct extremely seriously and expects our public officials to hold themselves to the highest standards,” Sean Higgins, a spokesman for Sherrill, previously said. “We cannot confirm or deny potential personnel matters.”
It is unclear how long the investigation will take or when its findings could be released.
Caldwell also serves as New Jersey’s secretary of state. He served as acting governor for three days last week while Sherrill was out of state, after the investigation had begun, according to the Globe.
The allegations remain under investigation, and no findings of wrongdoing have been announced.
Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco, R-Morris and Passaic, has called for Caldwell to temporarily step aside from his duties while the allegations are investigated.
“The reported allegations against Lt. Gov. Caldwell are deeply concerning and disappointing. Our elected officials must hold themselves to the highest possible standards of conduct, character, and integrity. The public deserves transparency and timely information about matters of this magnitude. There are legitimate questions about why this information was not disclosed sooner and why we are just learning about this late on Friday heading into a holiday weekend. Considering the complex duties of his position, Lt. Gov. Caldwell should temporarily step down from his duties as Lieutenant Governor. The offices of Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State are far too important to be consumed by this level of distraction while these serious allegations are being investigated.”
Caldwell previously served as president of Centenary University in Hackettstown, a position he assumed on July 1, 2023. A longtime educator, community leader and pastor, Caldwell also previously served as deputy commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, executive director of the Newark Alliance, president of the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey and a senior manager at Deloitte Consulting.
A Princeton University graduate, Caldwell earned advanced degrees from the Wharton School and Seton Hall University. He served on the New Brunswick Board of Education for 26 years and has also served as pastor of Covenant United Methodist Church in Plainfield. Caldwell and Sherrill took office in January after winning the 2025 gubernatorial election.
