New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigns after investigation finds he sexually harassed woman

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New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigned Friday afternoon, after a four-month investigation found that he engaged in sexual harassment and ethics violations.

During a news conference at the State House, New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced that Caldwell had submitted his resignation and she had accepted it.

“I appreciate his service, both on the campaign and in the first months of this administration, particularly in supporting our business agenda,” she said. “Lt. Gov. Caldwell has also been deeply committed to addressing the long-standing challenges facing Black communities across our state.”

Sherrill said she shares that commitment, adding that her administration will continue that important work, and Caldwell’s resignation will allow the state to move forward.

The four-month investigation, headed up by former New Jersey Attorney General Chris Porrino, found credible evidence that Caldwell had engaged in sexual harassment after he made a romantic advance toward a female staffer’s friend, and the advance was rebuffed.

The investigation also found Caldwell violated state ethics rules by bringing personal guests to ticketed events without advance ethics clearance, and did not  pay or reimburse their admission.

“The [lieutenant governor] continued this practice after receiving formal and informal guidance on the applicable ethics rules,” the report states.

Caldwell also attempted to improperly get a state employee with whom he was having a romantic relationship a promotion, according to the report. The investigation found that he used his state email account, less than one month after receiving training about ethics and workplace conduct, to ask an official in another part of state government to give the woman a promotion. The week before, according to the report, Caldwell had asked a different official in the same department to give the woman a promotion.

After the report was released Thursday night, Caldwell’s attorney, Thomas Calcagni, strongly disputed the findings, characterizing them as unfair and one-sided. But hours later, Caldwell agreed to resign.

Sherrill said as a former federal prosecutor she wanted to make sure everyone was treated fairly and justly in the investigative process, which took four months to complete.

“All credible allegations of misconduct must be fully investigated and addressed,” she said.

Sherrill stressed that she holds public service in high regard.

“I feel deeply that it is a commitment by elected officials to serve the people, not their own self-interest,” she said. “To honor that commitment, public servants must abide by the highest ethical standards. Those standards apply to everyone, regardless of their title.”

In addition to serving as lieutenant governor, Caldwell was also the secretary of state, which oversees the Division of Elections. Sherrill said with the November election fast approaching, it is vitally important that the elections run smoothly and that residents have confidence in the officials overseeing them. She said Shirley Emehelu, the acting state comptroller, will discontinue that position and serve as acting secretary of state until a new lieutenant governor is selected.

“Shirley is a veteran of the U.S. Department of Justice and the New Jersey Attorney General’s office,” she said. “She has the judgement to run these elections, and the strength to stand up to [President Donald] Trump’s attacks on voting. I have full faith that Shirley and the team at the Department of State will make sure that all eligible New Jerseyans can make their voices heard this November.”

Sherrill vowed to move swiftly and thoughtfully in selecting a new lieutenant governor “who will represent my administration with honor and integrity.”