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

<p>Former New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell stated on camera that he resigned "to make a difference" rather than to hinder Governor Mikie Sherrill, while disputing findings from a sexual harassment and ethics investigation that led to his resignation.</p><p>Caldwell's resignation occurred one day after Governor Mikie Sherrill publicly called for it following a months-long independent ethics investigation. 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.</p><p>In his first public comments since resigning, Caldwell criticized the investigative report as "specious," "ridiculous," and "poorly done," asserting that he resigned to avoid being a distraction to the Sherrill administration.</p><p>"I'm not resigning because of that ridiculous report," Caldwell stated. "I'm resigning because I don't want to be a distraction to the Mikie Sherrill administration." He emphasized that he would rather step aside than impede the success of others.</p><p>When asked about the allegations, Caldwell recommended 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 involved in the investigation.</p><p>Caldwell mentioned that he communicated with Governor Sherrill via text message, describing her as "a wonderful person" who "really means well," but he did not elaborate on the conversation.</p><p>According to the investigation, conducted by an independent law firm, Caldwell violated ethics rules by making inappropriate remarks to a female staffer. Investigators concluded that his comments constituted sexual harassment and found his denial of the remarks to be not credible. The report also identified other violations related to conduct and ethics, including bringing guests to events without reimbursement and seeking a promotion for a state employee with whom he was romantically involved.</p><p>Caldwell's lawyers stated that they "strongly disputed the three findings in the investigation," claiming the conclusions exceeded what the evidence supported. In response, Governor Sherrill defended the investigation, describing it as "very thorough" and asserting that it revealed a pattern of concerning behavior.</p><p>Caldwell, who also served as New Jersey’s Secretary of State overseeing elections, has been succeeded in that role by acting Comptroller Shirley Emehelu. Governor Sherrill confirmed that she would appoint a permanent successor to the lieutenant governor's position within the constitutionally mandated 45-day window, but she does not plan to name an acting lieutenant governor in the interim.</p><p>In the absence of an interim lieutenant governor, the line of gubernatorial succession will fall to Senate President Nicholas Scutari in case of an emergency or if Sherrill leaves the state before a permanent appointment is made.</p>