NJ Dem Gov Demands Her Handpicked Second-in-Command Quit After Explosive Sexual Harassment Probe

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill called on Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell to resign Thursday night after an independent investigation found that his conduct violated state ethics and harassment rules. The demand landed only seven months after Sherrill and Caldwell were sworn in, as reported by The New York Post.

The 61-page report described Caldwell, 66, seeking expensive event tickets for personal guests, attempting to help his girlfriend secure a state promotion, and asking an aide to find him a “first lady.”

Investigators also detailed a revolting sexual comment that Caldwell allegedly directed toward a female aide.

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“I’m calling for his resignation and giving him until tomorrow to do so,” Sherrill said in a Thursday evening statement.

She added, “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.”

The Democratic governor’s office launched the independent investigation in May after receiving an anonymous letter accusing Caldwell of inappropriate behavior toward women.

Caldwell previously served as president of Centenary University.

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Former New Jersey Attorney General Christopher Porrino led the inquiry, which was authored by the law firm Lowenstein Sandler.

The report concluded that Caldwell’s behavior “constituted sexual harassment and was derogatory or demeaning.”

One allegation involved Caldwell hitting on a staffer’s much younger friend during an official event in April 2026.

After being rejected, he allegedly lashed out in the back of his state vehicle and told a female aide that “you young women are looking for young sperm.”

Caldwell’s attorney, Thomas Calcagni, denied that his client made the comment.

It stated separately that Caldwell allegedly pursued a “first lady purportedly in connection with a potential candidacy for Governor.”

Caldwell, who is divorced, allegedly assigned a staffer to find him a “first lady.” When the staffer refused, Caldwell became “pushy” about the request.

The investigation also examined Caldwell’s effort to help his girlfriend obtain a “senior leadership position” in state government.

The alleged conduct occurred less than a month after Caldwell had been “admonished and trained” regarding “workplace conduct and ethics matters,” and four days after he learned about the investigation.

Caldwell used his state email account to recommend the woman, who was already a government employee, for the promotion.

Caldwell described her as a “friend,” but investigators determined that the two were romantically involved.

Calcagni said Caldwell merely forwarded the employee’s résumé without disclosing their personal relationship.

“There is a difference between failing to disclose a personal relationship when forwarding the résumé of a qualified job applicant and actually using the power of public office to secure a job or financial benefit for someone,” he told NJ.com.

Investigators rejected that distinction, saying Caldwell violated the Uniform Ethics Code by recommending a romantic partner for a promotion.

“These rules do not turn on whether the LG’s request was framed as a demand, as they prohibit any attempt to use one’s official position to benefit a romantic partner.”

The woman did not receive the promotion and no longer works for the state.

Caldwell was also accused of bringing personal guests, including his daughter and girlfriend, to at least seven ticketed events and using his official title to obtain free admission for them.

Investigators concluded that Caldwell violated the Uniform Ethics Code and the Governor’s Code of Conduct.

Caldwell maintained that he did not fully understand the rules, believed the issue was “gray,” and saw nothing wrong with bringing guests to events.

Calcagni said Caldwell reimbursed the state for one $175 event admission after being told that he could not accept free tickets.

The attorney also complained that the investigative process was unnecessary, protected, lacked proper due process, and was “one-sided.”

Caldwell claimed it was “driven by misinformation, false assumptions and what seems to be a personal vendetta against me,” according to a statement provided to The New York Times.

He also wrote, “Unfortunately, in this current political environment, false accusations, especially against people of color, seem to be commonplace.”

The investigation has already cost taxpayers $50,000, according to the outlet, and remained private until allegations behind the inquiry leaked publicly in recent weeks.

Sherrill declined to confirm or deny those leaks before announcing her demand for Caldwell’s resignation.

Democrats were left waiting for answers while critics accused Sherrill of concealing the truth. Her supporters argued that the governor was protecting victims during the inquiry.

Sherrill selected Caldwell as her running mate against Republican Jack Ciattarelli in July 2025, praising him as a “voice for the voiceless” and someone “committed to New Jersey.” Caldwell also oversees the Department of State.

New Jersey Republicans had demanded that Caldwell be placed on leave while the investigation proceeded.

GOP state Senate leader Anthony Bucco wrote on X on Sept. 4, “Considering the complex duties of his position, Lt. Gov. Caldwell should temporarily step down from his duties as Lieutenant Governor.”

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