Dale Caldwell stepped down as New Jersey’s lieutenant governor on Friday following the release of an investigative report that documented multiple ethics violations. Governor Mikie Sherrill had called for his resignation the previous day after the findings were made public.
The 61-page investigation concluded that credible evidence supported allegations Caldwell made romantic advances toward a female staffer’s friend, advocated for his girlfriend’s promotion to a senior state position without disclosing their relationship, and brought personal guests to ticketed events without proper authorization or reimbursement. In one documented instance, investigators found Caldwell made a derogatory comment about women after his romantic overtures were rejected.
Caldwell’s attorney said the resignation was submitted to end what he characterized as a “targeted campaign to discredit his character” and indicated the legal team would challenge the report’s findings. The attorney stated they were exploring all available legal remedies regarding what he described as problems with the investigative process.
Governor Sherrill, a Democrat, announced she would appoint Shirley Emehelu, the state’s acting comptroller, to serve as acting lieutenant governor. Sherrill emphasized the need to end what she called a culture of institutional tolerance for misconduct. Emehelu, described as a veteran of the U.S. Department of Justice and New Jersey attorney general’s office, will assume the role with significant responsibilities ahead, as the lieutenant governor oversees elections.
The resignation comes approximately six weeks before midterm elections. Sherrill has 45 days to name a permanent successor to the position. The investigation was initiated in May after an anonymous letter alleged Caldwell had brought uninvited female guests to taxpayer-funded events and engaged in inappropriate conduct toward women at official functions.
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