Full Breakdown
New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell Resigns After Ethics Investigation
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On September 25, 2026, Governor Mikie Sherrill announced that Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell submitted his resignation, which she accepted that afternoon. Caldwell, a 66-year-old Methodist pastor and former president of Centenary University, had served as lieutenant governor and secretary of state since January 2026.
Background & Context
The probe began after an anonymous letter dated May 6 reached the governor’s chief ethics officer. Law firm Lowenstein Sandler, hired by the office, conducted the investigation under former Attorney General Christopher Porrino. Caldwell was notified on May 22 and completed ethics training shortly after. Investigators interviewed 17 witnesses and reviewed email records, including a May 26 message in which Caldwell used his state email to recommend a promotion for a romantic partner without disclosing the relationship.
Data & Statistics
- 17 witnesses were interviewed.
- The report documented seven ticketed events between Feb. 19 and May 23 where Caldwell brought personal guests without payment; tickets ranged from $65 to $300.
- Caldwell reimbursed the state $175 for one guest’s attendance at a May 2 event.
- The investigation identified three violations: sexual harassment, improper use of state resources for personal guests, and an undisclosed attempt to secure a promotion for a state employee with whom he was romantically involved.
Official Statements & Responses
Sherrill emphasized that the lieutenant governor’s dual role placed election integrity at stake. Caldwell’s counsel, Thomas Calcagni, called the report “one-sided” and said Caldwell “categorically denies” the alleged comment about “young sperm,” while acknowledging the promotion recommendation. Caldwell said he resigned to avoid distracting the administration, not because of the report’s conclusions.
Criticism & Opposition
Republican leaders questioned Sherrill’s handling of the matter. “Gov. Sherrill cannot handle a crisis in her own administration by disappearing for weeks and then dropping a report after business hours on a Thursday night,” said Republican Leader John DiMaio. State Senator Declan O'Scanlon added, “What do they think, this was going to be swept under the rug and go away?” Political analyst Matt Hale suggested the episode would provide “fresh ammunition against the governor.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Caldwell’s team disputes the investigation’s conclusions, describing the report as “specious” and alleging that the process denied him a meaningful opportunity to respond. No independent adjudication has been reported, leaving the factual dispute unresolved.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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,” — Gov. Mikie Sherrill
- “I’m not resigning because of the report,” — Dr. Dale Caldwell
- “We continue to forcefully challenge the report,” — Thomas R. Calcagni
What’s Next
“We are just 39 days away from the midterm elections. It is of paramount importance that our elections run smoothly and that New Jerseyans have confidence in the officials overseeing them. To that end, I have named Acting Comptroller Shirley Amaheu to serve as acting secretary of state,” — Gov. Sherrill. Under the state constitution, the governor must name a new lieutenant governor within 45 days of the vacancy. Senate President Nicholas Scutari will assume the governor’s duties when Sherrill is out of state, ensuring continuity ahead of the November elections.