New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell faces calls to resign after an ethics report found he violated workplace policies, including seeking a promotion for his girlfriend and making sexually charged comments. Gov. Mikie Sherrill demanded his resignation by Friday, while Caldwell’s lawyer disputed the findings.
The ethics investigation into New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell, led by former state Attorney General Christopher Porrino, concluded that the 66-year-old violated workplace and ethics policies through multiple inappropriate actions, including seeking a promotion for his girlfriend and making sexually charged remarks to staff. Gov. Mikie Sherrill, a Democrat, called for Caldwell’s resignation by Friday, citing serious, repeated violations of state policy and failed to uphold the responsibilities of his office.
Caldwell’s lawyer, Thomas Calcagni, argued the report’s conclusions go far beyond what the evidence establishes.
Ethics Report Details Allegations Against Caldwell
Caldwell, a former president of Centenary University and a Black man, has denied the allegations, suggesting race and gender were at play. The report noted he also brought personal guests to ticketed events for free without getting ethics clearance. Sherrill, in a statement, emphasized her commitment to the highest ethical standard,
adding, Anyone who violates these will be held accountable.
Caldwell’s Legal Team Challenges Findings
Caldwell’s attorney, Thomas Calcagni, stated the lieutenant governor believes that a fair review of the complete record will show that the conclusions reached in the report go far beyond what the evidence establishes.
Calcagni did not confirm whether Caldwell planned to resign, though Sherrill gave him until Friday to step down. Caldwell, who also serves as secretary of state, has been cooperating with the investigation, according to the New Jersey Globe.
Political Fallout and Calls for Accountability
New Jersey Republican Party Chairwoman Christine Giordano Hanlon called for Caldwell to be placed on leave during the investigation, arguing, The fact this was going on for months really makes you think that these are very serious allegations, and he should not have been serving in any of these roles while this has been going on.
Sherrill’s office declined to confirm or deny personnel matters, while a spokesperson for the governor emphasized her expectation for our public officials to hold themselves to the highest standards.
Caldwell, who was selected as Sherrill’s running mate, was praised for his background, with Sherrill stating, Dale is the son of civil rights leaders who marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Selma — and he’s followed in his parents’ footsteps and he has always been a voice for the voiceless.
However, the allegations have cast a shadow over his tenure, with the investigation revealing a pattern of behavior that contradicts his public image as a voice for the voiceless.
Unresolved Questions and Next Steps
The investigation’s findings have raised questions about the extent of Caldwell’s misconduct and the timeline of complaints. Chairwoman Christine Giordano Hanlon urged transparency, stating, We want to know who knew what and when, why this has been shielded from the public, when there’s going to be a resolution.
While Sherrill has given Caldwell a deadline to resign, it remains unclear whether he will step down or challenge the report’s conclusions.
