New Jersey lieutenant governor resigns amid sexual harassment allegations

New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell, 66, submitted his resignation on Friday, one day after Governor Mikie Sherrill publicly called for him to step down. Sherrill announced the resignation later that afternoon.

The move followed the release of a 61-page investigative report concluding that Caldwell had violated state ethics rules and engaged in conduct constituting sexual harassment. Investigators said they found credible evidence that Caldwell made romantic advances toward a female staffer's friend, pushed for his girlfriend to receive a promotion within state government, and gave event tickets to personal guests without authorization or reimbursement.

According to the report, after his advances were rejected, Caldwell made a demeaning remark suggesting that ambitious young women were actually seeking younger romantic partners rather than professional help from men in positions of power.

The investigation also found that Caldwell advocated for his girlfriend, a state employee, to be promoted to a senior leadership position without initially disclosing the nature of their relationship. He reportedly continued pushing for the promotion even after learning he was under investigation. The promotion ultimately did not happen, and the woman no longer works for the state. Separately, investigators found credible evidence that Caldwell brought at least three personal guests, including his girlfriend, to ticketed events in his official capacity without prior authorization or payment.

The probe was launched in May after Sherrill's office received an anonymous letter accusing Caldwell of bringing uninvited female guests to taxpayer-funded events and making unwanted advances toward women. A lawyer for Caldwell initially described the investigation as one-sided, arguing its conclusions set a troubling precedent for anyone accused based on anonymous claims.

Caldwell's resignation comes just weeks before midterm elections, which the lieutenant governor's office is responsible for overseeing, since the role also carries the title of secretary of state and chief elections officer. Sherrill said she would appoint Acting Comptroller Shirley Emehelu as acting lieutenant governor.