Key facts
- Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell engaged in behavior that constituted sexual harassment and ethics violations.
- Governor Mikie Sherrill demanded Caldwell resign by tomorrow.
- Caldwell denies the allegations and has stated he will not resign.
- The investigation was commissioned by Governor Sherrill over three months ago.
- Caldwell is accused of attempting to promote a romantic partner in a state job without disclosing the relationship.
- Republicans criticize Sherrill for allowing Caldwell to serve as acting governor for 18 days during the probe.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill is facing criticism over her handling of an internal investigation into Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell, who has been accused of sexual harassment and ethics violations. A law group led by former New Jersey Attorney General Christopher Porrino was retained on May 21 to conduct the probe, incurring nearly $50,000 in taxpayer expenses by the end of June. The investigation found that Caldwell engaged in behavior constituting sexual harassment and ethics violations, including attempting to promote a romantic partner in a state job without disclosing the relationship. Sherrill has called for Caldwell's resignation by tomorrow, stating it is in the best interest of New Jersey residents. However, Caldwell denies the allegations and has indicated he will not resign, meaning his removal would necessitate impeachment proceedings from the state Legislature. Caldwell's attorney disputed the report's findings, questioning whether the evidence proves a violation occurred. Republicans have criticized Sherrill for allowing Caldwell to serve as acting governor for 18 days after the investigation began, with GOP Chair Christine Hanlon accusing Sherrill of abandoning transparency.