New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell has resigned after an independent investigation found a pattern of inappropriate conduct toward women and other ethical violations.
Governor Mikie Sherrill announced the resignation on Friday, a day after releasing the investigative report and calling for Caldwell to leave office. The report said he made sexually offensive remarks to female staff members, attempted to obtain a promotion for an employee with whom he had a romantic relationship, and brought personal guests to ticketed events without paying for admission.
Caldwell disputed the investigation through his lawyer. The lawyer said they continued to challenge the report and were considering legal remedies to obtain what they described as a balanced record. Those objections have not altered the report’s findings or the resignation, but they remain Caldwell’s stated position.
Caldwell also served as secretary of state. Sherrill appointed acting comptroller Shirley Emehelu as acting secretary of state, while saying she would choose a permanent lieutenant governor within 45 days.
The resignation is the immediate institutional consequence of the investigation. Any further legal proceeding would be separate from the governor’s administrative finding and has not yet been filed.
Governor’s resignation statement
