Governor Sherrill Pushes Lieutenant Governor Caldwell's Resignation Over Ethics Probe
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill demanded the resignation of Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell after an independent probe uncovered misconduct allegations.
Governor Mikie Sherrill announced the resignation of Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell following an independent investigation that identified multiple ethics violations. The review, overseen by former state Attorney General Christopher Porrino, confirmed that Caldwell made inappropriate comments, tried to advance a romantic associate without disclosure, and regularly brought personal guests to ticketed state functions.
Although Caldwell denies the accusations, his departure allows Sherrill to appoint a new secretary of state ahead of the midterm elections. The governor pledged to choose a replacement lieutenant governor within 45 days, emphasizing accountability and a break from New Jersey’s history of tolerating misconduct. While the handling of the disclosure could have been faster, the outcome signals a shift toward higher ethical standards in state government.
