New Jersey governor calls for lieutenant governor to resign after sexual harassment probe

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has demanded the resignation of Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell by September 25, 2026, following a 61-page independent investigation report. The probe, led by former Attorney General Christopher Porrino, concluded that Caldwell engaged in sexual harassment and repeatedly violated state ethics rules. Allegations include making a lewd comment to a staffer, tasking aides with finding a "first lady," and improperly seeking a promotion for his girlfriend. Caldwell and his attorney, Thomas Calcagni, have strongly denied the findings, calling the process one-sided and lacking due process.

Caldwell sexual harassment allegations

• ▪The Lowenstein Sandler investigation report alleged that Dale Caldwell tasked a staffer with finding him a "first lady" in connection with a potential future candidacy for governor
• ▪The Lowenstein Sandler investigation report alleged that in April 2026, Dale Caldwell made an advance toward a staffer's friend and, after being rejected, told the female staffer, "you young women are looking for young sperm."

State ethics violations

• ▪The Lowenstein Sandler investigation report found that Dale Caldwell violated the Uniform Ethics Code by repeatedly recommending a state employee with whom he was in a romantic relationship for a promotion
• ▪The Lowenstein Sandler investigation report found that Dale Caldwell violated ethics rules by bringing personal guests, including his daughter and girlfriend, to at least seven ticketed events without paying or obtaining clearance

Investigation report findings

• ▪A 61-page investigation report into Dale Caldwell, authored by the law firm Lowenstein Sandler and released on September 24, 2026, was initiated in May 2026 following an anonymous complaint letter
• ▪An independent investigation led by former New Jersey Attorney General Christopher Porrino concluded that Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell's behavior constituted sexual harassment and was derogatory or demeaning

Sherrill resignation demand

• ▪Governor Mikie Sherrill stated that Dale Caldwell's resignation is necessary and in the best interest of New Jersey residents due to serious, repeated violations of state policy
• ▪New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill called on Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell to resign by Friday, September 25, 2026, following an independent investigation into sexual harassment and ethics violations

Caldwell legal denial

• ▪Thomas Calcagni disputed the ethics findings of the Lowenstein Sandler investigation, stating that Dale Caldwell forwarded his romantic partner's resume because she was qualified, and that Caldwell did not order anyone to promote her
• ▪Dale Caldwell characterized the Lowenstein Sandler investigation report into his conduct as being driven by misinformation, false assumptions, and a personal vendetta, suggesting that false accusations against people of color are commonplace

Debatable claims

• ▪The New Jersey Legislature is justified in impeaching Dale Caldwell if he refuses to resign
• ▪Governor Sherrill was justified in keeping the Caldwell investigation confidential until its completion
• ▪The independent investigation into Dale Caldwell lacked sufficient due process
• ▪Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell should resign