New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigns after ethics probe
New Jersey lieutenant governor steps down following ethics investigation
Tyunews.com – New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigned Friday after an ethics investigation detailed repeated policy breaches, ethical concerns and a substantiated sexual-harassment finding. Gov. Mikie Sherrill confirmed the resignation one day after releasing the results of the review into complaints involving Caldwell.
The departure has immediate significance for state government because the lieutenant governor also serves as New Jersey’s secretary of state, a position with responsibilities that include overseeing the agency connected to election administration. Sherrill said she will name an interim secretary of state to help oversee the coming midterm elections.
Governor cites repeated misconduct concerns
At a Friday news conference, Sherrill described the investigation as documenting an extended pattern of troubling behavior rather than an isolated incident. She said the findings showed that Caldwell had participated fully in the matters examined by investigators.
The investigation “lays out a pattern and practice of long term concerning behavior multiple ethics trainings, multiple ethics violations, sexual harassment, substantial claims of sexual harassment and statements by the lieutenant governor in the report so obviously he was fully involved in this as well.”
On Thursday, Sherrill had given Caldwell a day to resign after the report became public. She said members of her administration are expected to meet the state’s standards for ethics, harassment policy and conduct, and that violations carry consequences.
“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.”
Caldwell was sworn in as lieutenant governor during an inauguration ceremony at Prudential Hall at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark on Jan. 20, 2026.
Findings involved staff member and alleged romantic conduct
The investigation found credible evidence that Caldwell made a romantic overture to a friend of a female staff member. After that advance was rejected, the report said he made sexually inappropriate remarks to the staff member about her friend.
The inquiry began after an anonymous complaint alleged that Caldwell approached women at events during taxpayer-funded travel, distributed state business cards and invited women on dates. Investigators also concluded that members of his team had repeatedly warned him about his conduct.
Another issue examined in the report involved a state employee with whom Caldwell had a romantic relationship. Investigators found that he made multiple attempts to obtain a promotion for that employee. The findings brought together allegations involving workplace behavior, ethics expectations and the use of a public office.
Ethics requirements are especially important for senior officials because their decisions affect government employees and public confidence in state institutions. The report’s findings prompted calls for Caldwell’s resignation from elected officials across New Jersey, including Sen. Andy Kim, D-N.J.
“New Jerseyans deserve to have public servants who work to earn and keep their trust, not undermine it. The findings of the independent report are unacceptable.”
Caldwell’s attorney disputes the report
Caldwell’s lawyer, Thomas R. Calcagni, said the former lieutenant governor will continue to challenge the investigation and its conclusions. In a statement to WABC, Calcagni said the resignation should not be interpreted as agreement with the report.
“Dr. Caldwell's resignation, submitted to put an end to the targeted campaign to discredit his character, does not in any way diminish our outrage concerning the investigative process and its specious findings.”
Calcagni said counsel is exploring legal options intended to secure what he described as a true, balanced and unbiased record. The statement did not alter the governor’s account of the investigation or the actions she announced following its release.
Election oversight remains a key concern
New Jersey’s secretary of state has a central role in the state government structure, while counties and municipalities carry out much of the practical administration of elections. With midterm elections approaching, Sherrill’s plan to install an interim secretary of state is intended to maintain continuity in that office.
The resignation closes Caldwell’s tenure as lieutenant governor but leaves broader questions about accountability inside the administration. Sherrill’s response has emphasized that ethics and harassment policies apply across her government, including to its highest-ranking officials.
For New Jersey residents, the episode underscores how complaints involving public officials can affect more than an individual officeholder. It also places attention on the systems used to investigate alleged misconduct, the safeguards meant to protect state employees and the leadership needed to keep essential state functions operating during a transition.
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