TRENTON — Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell resigned Friday, September 25, one day after Governor Mikie Sherrill called for him to step down following an independent investigation that substantiated sexual harassment and violations of state ethics rules.
Sherrill accepted Caldwell’s resignation Friday afternoon and named acting State Comptroller Shirley Emehelu as acting Secretary of State. Caldwell had held both the lieutenant governor and secretary of state posts.
“I will move swiftly and thoughtfully in choosing a new Lieutenant Governor, who will represent my Administration and the people of New Jersey with honor and integrity,” Sherrill said.
With the November election approaching, Sherrill stressed the importance of continuity and public confidence in the Department of State, which oversees elections. She noted that Emehelu previously served with the United States Department of Justice and the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.
“I have full faith that Shirley and the team at the Department of State will make sure all eligible New Jerseyans can make their voices heard this November,” Sherrill said.
The investigative report, released Thursday, September 24, substantiated three violations: a sexual remark made to a female staff member, unpaid admission for personal guests at ticketed events, and efforts to obtain a promotion for a state employee Caldwell was dating.
In a written response included in the report, Caldwell denied wrongdoing, including making the sexual remark behind the harassment finding. According to investigators, the employee he recommended did not receive a promotion, raise or any other benefit.
Sherrill thanked Caldwell for his service to her campaign and administration, pointing in particular to his support of the administration’s business agenda and his work on challenges facing Black communities. She said that work will continue while the administration holds public officials accountable for their conduct.
