Dale Caldwell Resigns After Governor Sherrill Calls for His Departure Following Independent Investigation
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By Adam Rizvi | Editor, The India Observer (TIO): TRENTON, NJ — Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell resigned Friday, September 25, after Governor Mikie Sherrill called for his resignation following the release of an independent investigation into allegations involving workplace conduct and state ethics.
Sherrill announced Caldwell’s resignation at a Friday afternoon press conference at the State House in Trenton, saying Caldwell submitted his resignation that afternoon and that she accepted it.
The resignation came one day after Sherrill released the findings of the independent investigation and gave Caldwell until Friday to step down.
In her remarks Friday, Sherrill said the investigation found that Caldwell failed to uphold the responsibilities of his office and documented “serious, repeated violations of state policy,” including ethical lapses and a substantiated finding of sexual harassment.
“I gave the Lieutenant Governor until today to resign. He submitted his resignation to me this afternoon, which I accepted,” Sherrill said.
She said Caldwell’s decision would allow the administration to move forward with its work serving New Jersey residents.
The 61-page investigation was conducted by Lowenstein Sandler LLP after the Governor’s Office Chief Ethics Officer received an anonymous complaint dated May 6, 2026, and received on May 14. Caldwell was formally notified of the investigation on May 22.
While Sherrill’s initial statement referred to a “respected former state Attorney General,” the investigation report identifies Christopher S. Porrino, a former New Jersey Attorney General, and Shontae D. Gray of Lowenstein Sandler as investigators.
The report says investigators interviewed numerous witnesses, including Caldwell, and reviewed documents and other evidence. The investigators used a preponderance-of-the-evidence standard in determining whether allegations were substantiated.
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According to the investigation, investigators substantiated one workplace-policy violation and two state ethics violations.
The workplace finding involved an interaction between Caldwell, a female staff member and the staff member’s friend. The report concluded that Caldwell made a romantic advance toward the friend and, after the advance was rejected, made a sexual comment to the staff member.
Investigators determined that the conduct constituted sexual harassment and was derogatory or demeaning in reference to the staff member’s sex. Caldwell denied making the comment, but investigators said they did not find his denial credible.
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The investigation also found that Caldwell brought personal guests to ticketed events without obtaining the required advance ethics clearance and without payment or reimbursement. The report states that the conduct continued after Caldwell had received ethics guidance and training.
The third finding involved a state employee with whom investigators determined Caldwell had a romantic relationship. The report says Caldwell made efforts to secure a promotion for the employee without disclosing the relationship. Investigators concluded that the conduct violated provisions of the state’s Uniform Ethics Code and Governor Sherrill’s Code of Conduct.
Caldwell has disputed the investigation’s findings.
His attorney, Thomas R. Calcagni, challenged the report and the investigative process, arguing that Caldwell was not given a meaningful opportunity to respond to every allegation or identify witnesses with potentially relevant firsthand information. Caldwell also stated that his resignation should not be interpreted as an admission of wrongdoing or acceptance of the report’s findings.
That distinction is important: the investigation produced administrative findings under state workplace and ethics policies. It was not a criminal conviction. The investigation report itself addresses workplace policy and ethics standards rather than making a criminal finding.
At Friday’s press conference, Sherrill said the investigation was initiated by the Chief Ethics Officer and conducted by a former state Attorney General.
“As a former federal prosecutor, I wanted to make sure everyone was treated fairly and justly,” Sherrill said, describing the investigation as thorough and impartial.
Sherrill also announced that Acting State Comptroller Shirley Emehelu will serve as Acting Secretary of State. Caldwell had also been serving as New Jersey’s Secretary of State.
Sherrill said she would move “swiftly and thoughtfully” in choosing a new lieutenant governor.
Caldwell’s resignation brings an immediate end to his tenure as lieutenant governor and secretary of state.
The episode began with an anonymous complaint in May, followed by an investigation conducted by outside attorneys, the release of the investigation’s findings on September 24, Sherrill’s call for Caldwell’s resignation, and Caldwell’s resignation the following day.
For The India Observer, the documented record is clear: an independent investigation substantiated three workplace and ethics violations; Governor Sherrill called for Caldwell’s resignation; Caldwell submitted his resignation on September 25; and Sherrill accepted it. Caldwell and his attorney continue to dispute the investigation’s findings and process.
The India Observer will continue to follow the transition in New Jersey’s administration and any further response from Caldwell, the Governor’s Office or state officials.
Read the full story at TheIndiaObserver.com
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Source: Governor’s Office; Lowenstein Sandler independent investigation report; public statements by Dale Caldwell and his attorney.
