On Friday, September 25, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill announced the resignation of Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell due to “serious and repeated violations of state policies, including allegations of ethical misconduct and sexual harassment.”
Governor Sherrill had publicly demanded Caldwell’s resignation by Friday, as the latest investigation revealed allegations of sexual harassment and ethical misconduct. Since the Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey is elected independently, the Governor does not have the power to dismiss them.
During a press conference on Friday afternoon, Sherrill announced Caldwell’s resignation, stating that “his decision will allow us to continue the important work serving the people of our state.” She emphasized the importance of doing what is right rather than resorting to political expediency.
In 2025, Sherrill chose Caldwell as her running mate, both being members of the Democratic Party. Caldwell, a Methodist minister and former president of Centenary University, was elected alongside Sherrill and took office in January 2026.
However, just three months later, Caldwell faced anonymous complaints of inappropriate behavior towards women.
The investigation found that Caldwell repeatedly violated professional ethics through acts of sexual harassment, including seeking promotions for female state government employees he was involved with, and making inappropriate comments to a female staffer.
According to Sherrill, the investigation revealed a series of behaviors by Caldwell that did not meet government standards.
The investigation was overseen by former New Jersey Attorney General Christopher Porrino.
In New Jersey, since the Lieutenant Governor is elected independently, the Governor does not have the authority to dismiss them, but the Lieutenant Governor can be impeached and removed by the state legislature. The Governor can also strip the Lieutenant Governor of nearly all their responsibilities, effectively sidelining them from administrative duties.
Caldwell and his lawyer denied any misconduct listed in the investigation report.
Caldwell’s lawyer Thomas R. Calcagni stated, “We will continue to strongly question this report. Caldwell’s resignation is intended to end the character assassination against him, but this will not diminish our outrage over the investigative process and its false conclusions.”
Sherrill countered Calcagni’s criticism on Friday, stating during a press conference that “I believe the investigation was very thorough, clearly outlining the specifics of the investigation.”
She added that the report included Caldwell’s own testimony.
Sherrill also defended allowing Caldwell to act as Governor in her absence multiple times since the investigation began.
“Once I saw those complaints, once I saw the results of the investigation, I promptly took action, requesting the Lieutenant Governor’s resignation,” Sherrill said.
Since the establishment of the position of Lieutenant Governor through a statewide referendum in 2005, Caldwell is New Jersey’s fourth Lieutenant Governor.
Governor Sherrill announced on Friday that with only a few weeks until the midterm elections, Acting State Comptroller Shirley Emehelu will be appointed as Acting Secretary of State.
Under New Jersey law, a successor must be appointed within 45 days of a vacancy in the Lieutenant Governor position. Sherrill stated that she will appoint a permanent replacement within that timeframe but indicated that she does not intend to appoint an acting Lieutenant Governor during this period.