Former New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell stated on camera Friday that his resignation was meant “to make a difference” rather than hinder Governor Mikie Sherrill. This assertion came as he challenged the results of a sexual harassment and ethics investigation that led to his departure from office.
Caldwell’s resignation came just a day after Governor Sherrill, a Democrat, publicly called for him to step down following a lengthy independent investigation. The 61-page report detailed several ethics violations, including a confirmed instance of sexual harassment and efforts to secure a promotion for a woman he was romantically involved with.
“I’m not resigning because of that ridiculous report,” he stated. “I’m resigning because I don’t want to be a distraction to the Mikie Sherrill administration.”
He expressed that if his presence were to obstruct anyone else’s success, he should pursue other opportunities. Caldwell referenced his experience as a university president and a consultant at Deloitte.
When asked about the allegations detailed in the report, he encouraged individuals to read it themselves but mentioned he would only discuss specifics through his attorney at this time.
“I just think it was poorly done. It was poorly done. I mean, I just think that there are ways that they could have done better. And I was just disappointed in the legal work in that,” Caldwell remarked.
Caldwell indicated he had exchanged text messages with Governor Sherrill on Friday, praising her as a “wonderful person” but didn’t elaborate on the conversation’s content.
“This is one of those things that happens. And as I said, I’m going to continue to work as a private citizen,” Caldwell continued. “I’m freed up to do a lot more things. So, I’m looking forward to supporting the administration and really supporting folks.”
The investigation into Caldwell’s conduct, carried out by an independent law firm, found that he breached ethics rules. The probe uncovered a disturbing instance where Caldwell reportedly told a female staffer, “you young women are looking for young sperm,” in reference to her younger friend. Investigators deemed this remark sexual harassment and considered Caldwell’s denial as unconvincing. Other infractions included misusing the code of conduct, improperly bringing guests to ticketed events, and seeking promotions for a state employee he was involved with.
While Caldwell’s legal team expressed strong disagreement with the investigation’s conclusions, arguing that they exceeded what the evidence suggested, Governor Sherrill defended the investigation as comprehensive and highlighted a pattern of concerning behavior related to Caldwell’s actions.
Sherrill also characterized the claims of sexual harassment as substantiated, stressing that Caldwell persisted in violating standards despite receiving multiple warnings and ethics training.
In addition to his role as lieutenant governor, Caldwell served as New Jersey’s secretary of state, overseeing elections. Following his resignation, Sherrill announced that Shirley Emehelu would act as the interim secretary of state as the midterm elections approach.
According to New Jersey’s State Constitution, the governor has 45 days to fill a vacancy in the lieutenant governor’s position permanently. Sherrill confirmed she would appoint a permanent successor within that timeframe but noted she would not designate an acting lieutenant governor in the interim. Should an emergency arise, or if Sherrill leaves the state, Senate President Nicholas Scutari would be next in line for gubernatorial succession until a permanent appointment is made.
