Gov. Sherrill calls for Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell to resign after investigation finds ethics, workplace violations

TRENTON, N.J. — Gov. Mikie Sherrill is calling for Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell to resign after an independent investigation concluded he violated state workplace and ethics policies, including a substantiated finding of sexual harassment and ethics violations involving unpaid guests at events and efforts to secure a promotion for a romantic partner. Sherrill said Thursday that Caldwell has until Friday to resign.

The investigation was conducted by Lowenstein Sandler LLP after the Governor’s Office chief ethics officer received an anonymous complaint in May. Caldwell was formally notified of the investigation on May 22. Investigators examined whether Caldwell violated the New Jersey State Policy Prohibiting Discrimination in the Workplace, the governor’s Code of Conduct and the Uniform Ethics Code.

“Today, I’m announcing the conclusion and findings of an independent investigation into allegations regarding Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell. 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,” Sherrill said.

The report concluded that credible evidence substantiated three violations: Caldwell sexually harassed a female staffer through a sexual comment; brought personal guests to ticketed events without payment or reimbursement; and sought a promotion for a state employee with whom he had a romantic relationship.

According to the report, Caldwell made a romantic advance toward a female staffer’s friend. After the advance was rebuffed, investigators found that Caldwell told the staffer, referring to her and her friend, that “you young women are looking for young sperm.” Caldwell denied making the comment, but investigators said they did not find his denial credible.

Investigators said the comment caused the staffer to change how she interacted with Caldwell at work, distance herself from him and avoid traveling with him when possible. The report concluded the remark constituted sexual harassment under the state’s workplace policy and was derogatory or demeaning based on the staffer’s sex.

“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 said.

The investigation also found Caldwell brought personal guests to several ticketed events without advance authorization and without payment or reimbursement. The report identified seven ticketed events between Feb. 19 and May 23 where Caldwell reportedly appeared with at least one guest who was admitted without payment. Reported ticket prices, where known, ranged from $65 to $300.

Investigators said Caldwell continued the practice despite receiving formal and informal guidance about applicable ethics rules. Caldwell told investigators he did not fully understand the rules and described the issue as “gray.” After the investigation began, Caldwell reimbursed the state $175 for one guest’s attendance at a May 2 event at Morven Museum & Garden, according to the report.

The report also found Caldwell attempted on multiple occasions to secure a promotion for a state employee with whom he had a romantic relationship. Investigators said Caldwell verbally advocated for the employee’s promotion and later used his state email account to forward her resume and recommend her for a leadership position without initially disclosing their romantic relationship.

Caldwell acknowledged to investigators that the employee was his girlfriend and that their relationship had been on and off. He maintained that forwarding her resume was permissible because he did not insist that she be hired. The report concluded that recommending a romantic partner for a promotion violated state ethics rules prohibiting officials from using their positions to benefit others and from participating in official matters involving someone with whom they have a dating relationship. No promotion, raise or other benefit was ultimately given to the employee.

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 Gov. Mikie Sherrill took office in January after winning the 2025 gubernatorial election.

“These violations substantiated in the investigation reflect a pattern of behavior that does not meet the standards of this Administration. The ethical lapses persisted despite multiple warnings and trainings. The substantiated finding of sexual harassment is extremely troubling. I’ve seen firsthand how a hostile culture can undermine everyone’s ability to succeed. It’s insidious and ruptures the trust within an organization,” Sherrill said.

Sherrill said the investigation was initiated by the chief ethics officer and conducted by a former state attorney general. The report states investigators interviewed numerous witnesses, including Caldwell, and collected documents and other materials. Witness identities were anonymized to the extent possible to protect their privacy.

“The investigation fully examined the evidence, followed the facts, and protected everyone’s privacy. In my Administration, we are committed to doing what is right, not what is politically expedient,” Sherrill said.

“The Lieutenant Governor’s resignation is necessary and in the best interest of New Jersey residents.”

Assembly Republican Leader John DiMaio issued the following statement after Gov. Mikie Sherrill released the investigation into Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell on Thursday evening:

“Gov. Sherrill cannot handle a crisis in her own administration by disappearing for weeks and then dropping a report after business hours on a Thursday night.

“She has taken only a handful of reporters’ questions since this story broke over Labor Day weekend. Now that the investigation is complete, she owes the public answers in real time. What did she know about the warnings to Caldwell, when did she know it, and why was he allowed to remain in office while this dragged on?

“The governor should have stood before the press tonight and answered every question. Instead, she released a statement and left everyone else to sort through the wreckage. That is unacceptable. She needs to hold a full press conference tomorrow.”