New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigned Friday, a day after Gov. Mikie Sherrill publicly demanded his resignation following an independent review that cited workplace sexual advances and ethics violations. The review was led by former New Jersey attorney general Christopher Porrino, a partner at Lowenstein Sandler.
What the independent review found
Porrino’s review found instances in which Caldwell made sexual advances in the workplace. In one account, after a female staffer told Caldwell that her friend was not looking for a relationship, Caldwell replied, “you young women are looking for young sperm,” according to Porrino.
The review also found that Caldwell brought personal guests to ticketed events free of charge without obtaining approval from ethics officials, despite repeated efforts by the administration to get him to do so. According to Porrino, he brought one or more unpaid guests to no fewer than seven events between Feb. 19 and May 23, 2026; attendees included his daughter, his romantic partner (“Individual-1”), and a friend (“Individual-2”).
Porrino further concluded that Caldwell used his official position to try to get his romantic partner—another government official—promoted, forwarding the person’s résumé and letter of interest and referring to the individual as “my friend,” without disclosing the relationship.
Sherrill’s ultimatum and next steps
After receiving the findings, Sherrill said, “The investigation found that the Lieutenant Governor engaged in serious, repeated violations of state policy and failed to uphold the responsibilities of his office. I’m calling for his resignation and giving him until tomorrow to do so.” Caldwell resigned the next day.
With Caldwell out of office, Sherrill has 45 days to select a replacement. New Jersey Senate President Nicholas Scutari would serve as acting governor when Sherrill is out of the state.
How Caldwell rose to the job
Headline USA reported that Caldwell had also served as secretary of state since Jan. 20 and previously led Centenary University. The outlet further reported that Sherrill tapped Caldwell as her running mate in the 2025 election and deployed him as a prominent voice to counter Republican opponents and to court Black voters.
In a July 25, 2025 post on X, Sherrill wrote, “I’m thrilled to welcome @DaleCaldwell as our Democratic candidate for Lt. Governor of New Jersey! Dr. Caldwell has spent his life in service — to his faith, to his students, and to the communities he’s helped strengthen with decades of leadership.”
