Former New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell Resigns Amid Sexual Harassment Probe

<p>Former New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell stated on camera that he resigned "to make a difference" rather than hinder Governor Mikie Sherrill, while disputing the findings of a sexual harassment and ethics investigation that led to his departure from office. Caldwell's resignation occurred one day after Governor Sherrill publicly called for it following a months-long independent ethics investigation.</p><p>The investigation's 61-page report detailed multiple ethics violations, including a "substantiated" finding of sexual harassment and improper attempts to secure a job promotion for a woman with whom he had a romantic relationship. In his first public comments since resigning, Caldwell criticized the report as "specious," "ridiculous," and "poorly done," asserting that he stepped down to avoid being a distraction to the Sherrill administration.</p><p>"I'm not resigning because of that ridiculous report," Caldwell said. "I'm resigning because I don't want to be a distraction to the Mikie Sherrill administration." He added that he has a history as a university president and has worked at the Deloitte consulting firm.</p><p>When asked about the allegations, Caldwell suggested that people read the report themselves but indicated he would only provide specifics through his attorney for the time being. He expressed disappointment in the legal work of the investigation, stating, "I just think it was poorly done. It was poorly done. I mean, I just think that there are ways that they could have done better."</p><p>Caldwell mentioned that he communicated with Governor Sherrill via text message, describing her as "a wonderful person" who "really means well," but did not elaborate on their conversation. He stated, "This is one of those things that happens. And as I said, I'm going to continue to work as a private citizen. I'm freed up to do a lot more things. So, I'm looking forward to supporting the administration and really supporting folks."</p><p>The investigation, conducted by an independent law firm, found that Caldwell violated ethics rules by making inappropriate comments to a female staffer, which investigators concluded constituted sexual harassment. Caldwell's denial of making the comments was deemed not credible. Other findings included violations of the code of conduct regarding guest admissions to events and seeking a promotion for a state employee with whom he had a romantic relationship.</p><p>Caldwell's lawyers stated that they "strongly disputed the three findings in the investigation," arguing that the conclusions exceeded what the evidence supported. However, Governor Sherrill defended the investigation, calling it "very thorough" and stating that it outlined a pattern of concerning behavior. She also confirmed that Caldwell continued to violate standards despite previous ethics trainings.</p><p>Caldwell was also serving as New Jersey’s secretary of state, overseeing elections. Following his resignation, Sherrill announced that acting comptroller Shirley Emehelu would become the acting secretary of state with the midterm elections approaching. Under New Jersey's Constitution, the governor must permanently fill a vacancy in the lieutenant governor's office within 45 days. Sherrill confirmed she would appoint a permanent successor within that timeframe but would not name an acting lieutenant governor in the interim. In the absence of an interim lieutenant governor, Senate President Nicholas Scutari would be next in line for gubernatorial succession if needed.</p>