Harassment Findings Spark Resignation Call
New Jersey Governor Demands Lieutenant Governor Caldwell Resign Following Harassment Findings
Anonymous
Key Points
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The investigation was conducted by former New Jersey Attorney General Christopher Porrino.
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The report said Caldwell contacted an official in another executive-branch department about the employee’s promotion on May 26, 2026—less than a month after workplace-conduct and ethics training and four days after he was formally notified of the investigation.
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Caldwell also serves as New Jersey’s secretary of state; as lieutenant governor, he oversees day-to-day state operations when Sherrill is out of state.
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The report specified that Caldwell’s comment after the rejected advance was, “you young women are looking for young sperm.”
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill gave Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell until Friday to resign after an independent investigation found he sexually harassed a staffer, used his position to advance a romantic partner's career, and brought personal guests to state events without paying. Washington Examiner reported that investigators substantiated the sexual harassment claim, finding Caldwell made an unwanted romantic advance and, after rejection, told the staffer: "you young women are looking for young sperm." Caldwell denied making the remark, but investigators did not find his denial credible.
Sherrill called the findings "deeply troubling" and said Caldwell's resignation was necessary in New Jersey residents' best interests. Fox 29 reported that the violations continued despite workplace-conduct training and ethics warnings. As lieutenant governor, Caldwell oversees day-to-day state operations when Sherrill is out of state and also serves as New Jersey's secretary of state.
Investigation Found Pattern of Misconduct Violations
Former New Jersey Attorney General Christopher Porrino conducted the independent investigation. Washington Examiner reported that Caldwell made an unwanted romantic advance toward a staffer's friend, and after rejection, made the crude sexual remark to the staffer. The report also found Caldwell used his official position to seek a promotion for a state employee with whom he had a romantic relationship, without disclosing the connection. Caldwell also brought personal guests to ticketed state events without approval or payment.
Violations Occurred Despite Recent Warnings and Training
The timing revealed Caldwell's disregard for rules. News Journal Online reported that on May 26, 2026, Caldwell contacted an official in another state executive-branch department about the employee's promotion. This was less than one month after he completed workplace-conduct and ethics training. It came just four days after he received formal notification of the investigation into his conduct. The pattern showed he continued violating policy even after being warned and trained.
Governor Demands Immediate Accountability From Her Running Mate
Sherrill's ultimatum marked a sharp break from Caldwell, who was her 2025 running mate on the Democratic ticket. Fox 29 reported that the governor called the substantiated sexual harassment finding "deeply troubling" and said his conduct violated New Jersey's values. She gave him a deadline of Friday to resign. Sherrill said keeping him in office would undermine the state's commitment to workplace dignity and ethics. The demand put pressure on Caldwell to leave office or face potential removal proceedings.
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