Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigns after investigation finds sexual harassment, ethics violations

NEW JERSEY — Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigned Friday after an independent investigation found 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.

Gov. Mikie Sherrill said Friday afternoon that Caldwell submitted his resignation and she accepted it, one day after she called on him to step down.

“I appreciate his service both on the campaign and in the first months of this Administration, particularly in supporting our business agenda,” Sherrill said.

Sherrill said Caldwell had also been committed to addressing challenges facing Black communities across New Jersey and said her administration would continue efforts to expand opportunities across the state.

“His decision will allow us to move forward with the important work of serving the people of our state,” Sherrill said.

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 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.

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. Sherrill called for Caldwell’s resignation Thursday after the report was released.

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.

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.

Sherrill defended the investigative process Friday, saying it was initiated by the chief ethics officer and conducted by a former state attorney general.

“This investigation was thorough and impartial,” Sherrill said. “It was initiated by the Chief Ethics Officer and conducted by a respected former state Attorney General.”

Sherrill said the investigation examined the evidence, followed the facts and protected the privacy of those involved.

“Let me be clear: all credible allegations of misconduct must be fully investigated and addressed,” Sherrill said. “In my Administration, we are committed to doing what is right, not what is politically expedient.”

Sherrill said she will move “swiftly and thoughtfully” to select a new lieutenant governor.

She also announced Friday that Acting Comptroller Shirley Emehelu will serve as acting secretary of state as New Jersey approaches the November midterm elections. Sherrill said Emehelu is a veteran of the U.S. Department of Justice and the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.

“It is of paramount importance that our elections run smoothly – and that New Jerseyans have confidence in the officials overseeing them,” Sherrill said.

Sherrill added, “I have full faith that Shirley and the team at the Department of State will make sure all eligible New Jerseyans can make their voices heard this November.”

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.

Sherrill said Friday that her administration would seek a change in government culture and emphasized accountability for public officials.

“We can no longer tolerate the culture of silence, sweeping things under the rug, or kicking the can down the road,” Sherrill said. “New Jerseyans deserve fairness and accountability. And we will work every single day to earn your trust.”

Assembly Republican Leader John DiMaio had criticized Sherrill on Thursday following the release of the investigation, saying she should have appeared before reporters and answered questions about when she learned of warnings involving Caldwell.

“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,” DiMaio said.

He added, “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.”