New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigned after a report substantiated sexual harassment.
Why it matters: His departure leaves Gov. Mikie Sherrill to name a replacement, with the lieutenant governor office already vacant as the administration responds to the findings. The resignation also closes out a high-profile ethics case for the state's executive branch.
- Sherrill released the report on Sept. 24, 2026, and told Caldwell to resign by Sept. 25.
- The report said Caldwell violated state workplace policy and ethics rules, including a substantiated sexual harassment finding.
- Investigators also substantiated two ethics violations: bringing personal guests to ticketed events without clearance or reimbursement, and seeking a promotion for a state employee with whom he had a romantic relationship.
- Lowenstein Sandler LLP conducted the investigation at the direction of the chief ethics officer.
New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigned on Sept. 25 after Gov. Mikie Sherrill released an independent investigation that concluded he violated state workplace policy and ethics rules. Sherrill said Caldwell had until Sept. 25 to step down after the findings became public on Sept. 24.
The investigation was conducted by Lowenstein Sandler LLP at the direction of the chief ethics officer. The redacted report says the complaint began with an anonymous filing on May 6, 2026, and was received by the chief ethics officer on May 14. Caldwell received formal notice on May 22. The report said credible evidence showed Caldwell made a sexual comment to a female staffer after making a romantic advance toward her friend, and investigators did not find his denial credible.
The report also substantiated two additional ethics violations: bringing personal guests to ticketed events without advance clearance or reimbursement, and seeking a promotion for a state employee with whom he had a romantic relationship. New Jersey Globe first reported on Sept. 4 that Caldwell was under investigation for alleged inappropriate behavior and possible ethics violations.