New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill (D) has issued an ultimatum to Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell: resign by Friday or face further action. The demand follows a damning ethics report that found Caldwell violated state workplace discrimination policies.
The investigation, conducted by a law firm hired by Sherrill's office, uncovered multiple instances of misconduct. According to the report, Caldwell twice attempted to secure a state promotion for his girlfriend, made a sexually charged remark to a staff member, and disregarded warnings to alter his behavior. Investigators also noted that Caldwell recommended his romantic partner for a senior leadership position while an ethics investigation into his conduct was already underway.
In a statement, Sherrill said the probe revealed that Caldwell "engaged in serious, repeated violations of state policy and failed to uphold the responsibilities of his office." She emphasized her administration's commitment to ethical standards, adding, "I hold everyone in my Administration to the highest ethical standard. We all have a duty to follow our state ethics and harassment policy and our Code of Conduct. Anyone who violates these will be held accountable."
Sherrill framed the resignation demand as essential for public trust, saying, "It is necessary and in the best interest of New Jersey residents." She also drew a contrast with federal politics, stating, "The President continues to undermine confidence in public service at the federal level. In New Jersey, I will not accept a culture that sweeps misconduct under the rug. We have to be better than that — people expect and deserve better."
The ethics report details a particularly troubling incident in which Caldwell made a "romantic advance" toward a female friend of one of his staffers. When rejected, he allegedly told the staffer, "You young women are looking for young sperm." Investigators noted that Caldwell denied making the comment, but they "did not find his denial credible."
In another case, Caldwell pushed for his romantic partner to receive a senior leadership role, a move that came to light during the ongoing ethics investigation. The woman did not ultimately receive the promotion after state officials confronted Caldwell about the relationship.
Caldwell's attorney, Thomas Calcagni, has criticized the investigation as one-sided and claimed it "lacked the requisite due process." The Hill has reached out to Calcagni for comment on whether Caldwell will comply with Sherrill's demand.
Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) has backed Sherrill's stance, calling the findings "totally unacceptable" in a post on X. He wrote, "For the sake of our state Lt Governor Caldwell should resign."
The controversy adds to a turbulent period for New Jersey politics, as state leaders grapple with internal ethics issues. The situation also echoes broader national debates over accountability in public service, a theme that has resonated in recent calls for ethics investigations at other levels of government.
