Politics

New Jersey governor demands lieutenant governor resign following ethics probe

An independent investigation concluded Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell violated workplace harassment and ethics policies

Updated Sep 25, 2026 · 06:30 UTC3 reports

The short version

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill demanded Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell step down by Friday following an outside ethics investigation.[The Guardian]
The investigation concluded Caldwell violated workplace discrimination and ethics rules, including harassing a staffer and seeking a promotion for a romantic partner.[The Guardian]
Caldwell's attorney disputed the findings, describing the investigation as a one-sided process that lacked due process.[The Guardian]
State Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco called for legislative action if Caldwell refuses to resign.[NBC News]

Governor Mikie Sherrill requested Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell's resignation by Friday.[The Guardian]
An outside investigation concluded Caldwell violated state discrimination and ethics policies.[The Guardian · NBC News]
The probe stemmed from an anonymous complaint submitted to the governor's chief ethics officer in May.[The Washington Sun]
Caldwell serves concurrently as secretary of state, overseeing state elections.[NBC News]

Caldwell and his attorney deny the report's conclusions, claiming the investigation was one-sided and lacked proper due process.[The Guardian · NBC News]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.