New Jersey’s Lieutenant Governor, Dale Caldwell, who was once praised by Governor Mikie Sherrill as a “voice for the voiceless,” has stepped down amid a growing sexual harassment controversy that led Sherrill to demand his resignation.
Sherrill announced on Friday that Caldwell had submitted his resignation, just one day after she called for him to resign following an investigation that substantiated allegations of sexual harassment and serious breaches of state policies, including ethical violations.
Caldwell, previously the president of Centenary University, faced accusations of making inappropriate sexual comments to an aide and attempting to leverage his role to secure a promotion for his girlfriend.
Despite the swirling scandal, Caldwell maintained in an interview that his resignation was not due to the allegations. He stated, “I’m not resigning because of the report. It’s false. I’m resigning because I don’t want to be a distraction to the administration.”
He further expressed his support for Sherrill’s administration, emphasizing his desire for her success.
Sherrill had formally requested Caldwell’s resignation in a statement released Thursday night, coinciding with the release of a thorough 61-page ethics report that detailed his inappropriate behavior. She gave him a deadline of 24 hours to resign.
In her statement, Sherrill affirmed her commitment to the highest ethical standards, reminding everyone in her administration of the necessity to adhere to state ethics and harassment policies.
Caldwell, 66, suggested that race played a role in the investigation, which began following an anonymous complaint in May. He commented, “Unfortunately, in this current political environment, false accusations, especially against people of color, seem to be commonplace.”
This incident marks a dramatic fall from grace for Caldwell, who had received significant praise from Sherrill during her gubernatorial campaign. In July 2025, she described him as “committed to New Jersey” when selecting him as her running mate against Republican Jack Ciattarelli.
Sherrill highlighted his commitment to public service and noted his participation in a civil rights march with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma, Alabama.
The detailed report, which involved an investigation conducted by former New Jersey Attorney General Christopher Porrino, documents numerous instances of Caldwell misusing his position, including securing expensive tickets for personal use, obtaining a favorable state promotion for his girlfriend, and even seeking a “first lady” through staff members.
Throughout a specified period, Caldwell brought guests to multiple ticketed events without making any payments, with ticket prices ranging from $65 to $300.
One particularly troubling allegation mentioned in the report took place in April, where Caldwell reportedly made advances toward a young friend of a staff member at an official event. Following a rejection, he allegedly reacted inappropriately in his state vehicle, making a disturbing comment about young women.
His attorney has refuted these specific claims. Additionally, Caldwell, a divorced Methodist pastor, reportedly pressured a staffer about his quest for a “first lady,” which escalated when she declined to assist him.
Interestingly, Sherrill was limited in options regarding Caldwell’s dismissal, as only the state Legislature has the authority to impeach and remove lieutenant governors.
