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New Jersey Gov Sherrill Demands Lt. Gov Caldwell Resign Over Harassment
Confirmed
In Short: New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill called for Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell to resign after an investigation found he sexually harassed a female staffer and violated ethics policies.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill called for Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell to resign after an independent investigation found he sexually harassed a female staffer and violated ethics policies.
The investigation, commissioned by Sherrill more than three months ago, found that Caldwell made a sexually charged remark to a female staffer, telling her that 'you young women are looking for young sperm' after she mentioned her younger friend was not interested in a romantic relationship with him.
Investigators concluded that Caldwell's denial of the comment was not credible and that his behavior constituted sexual harassment.
Sherrill said the violations reflected a pattern of behavior that persisted despite warnings and training.
The investigation also found that Caldwell continued bringing unpaid guests to events despite repeated training and warnings, including on May 23, one day after he was formally notified of the investigation.
Four days after receiving notice of the investigation, Caldwell used his state email account to recommend his romantic partner for a leadership position in another executive branch department, referring to her as 'my friend' and forwarding her resume and letter of interest.
Sherrill said the lieutenant governor’s resignation is necessary and in the best interest of New Jersey residents.
The investigation began after the state's chief ethics officer received an anonymous complaint in May alleging inappropriate behavior toward women and ethics violations.
Sherrill said she is giving Caldwell until Friday to resign his post. If he does not, the governor can call for his impeachment, but it would need to be done by the state legislature.
Caldwell’s attorney disputed the report’s findings in a comment to Politico, but did not comment on whether his client would resign as requested.
The governor said she will take appropriate action quickly if the evidence warrants.
Sherrill did not provide details about the allegations or investigation, but indicated there were multiple violations and said the investigation was initiated by the state's chief ethics officer and conducted by a respected former state attorney general.
What this adds
The investigation began in May 2026 after Gov. Sherrill’s Chief Ethics Officer received an anonymous letter accusing Caldwell of acting inappropriately towards women.
Mikie Sherrill says studies link social media to depression and anxiety, which is unrelated to the current investigation.
What's confirmed
- New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill called on handpicked Lt.
- "The investigation found that the Lieutenant Governor engaged in serious, repeated violations of state policy and failed to uphold the responsibilities of his office," she said in a long post on X.
What's still developing
- Fox News Digital reached out to Caldwell for comment on the report and Sherrill's resignation demand.
- Governor Dale Caldwell to resign after a report accused him of sexually harassing a woman and of trying to secure a promotion for a state employee whom he was dating.
- Following the report, Gov. Sherrill released a statement on Thursday, Sept. 24, calling on Caldwell to resign.
- Mikie Sherrill says studies link social media to depression and anxiety.