Governor Sherrill Releases Report Finding Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell Sexually Harassed Staff; Calls for Resignation

# What happened

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill released a report on Sept. 24, 2026, concluding that Lt. Gov. Dale G. Caldwell sexually harassed staff and violated state ethics rules. Sherrill called the findings "extremely troubling" and asked Caldwell to resign by the following day.

# Central findings

The investigation concluded that Caldwell engaged in serious, repeated violations of state policy and failed to uphold the responsibilities of his office. Specific findings in the report include:

• A romantic advance toward a friend of a female staffer that was rebuffed, followed by a sexually charged comment directed at the staffer: "you young women are looking for young sperm."
• Attempts on multiple occasions to secure a promotion for a state employee with whom he had a romantic relationship, creating an ethics conflict.
• At least seven instances in which he brought uninvited female guests to ticketed events, was admitted, and did not pay for the tickets or reimburse organizers.

The report characterizes these actions as reflecting a pattern of behavior inconsistent with the administration's standards, persisting despite warnings and trainings.

# Who conducted the probe

The inquiry was initiated by the state's chief ethics officer, Christina Fullam. The investigation was carried out by Christopher Porrino, a former New Jersey Attorney General. Gov. Sherrill described the review as thorough and impartial, saying it examined the evidence, followed the facts, and protected participants' privacy.

# Timeline

• Reports about an investigation first surfaced about three weeks before the report's release.
• On Sept. 9, Caldwell denied any improper behavior.
• On Sept. 24, Gov. Sherrill released the investigative report and publicly called for Caldwell's resignation, giving him until the next day to step down.

# What the governor said

Sherrill framed the matter as an ethical and managerial failure that undermines trust and harms workplace culture. She said leaders must ensure every public servant can do their job without facing harassment or conflicts of interest, and stated she holds her administration to high ethical standards.

# Concrete implications

• Caldwell was publicly asked to resign by his appointing governor after the investigation substantiated sexual harassment.
• The report documents both harassment and ethics violations (improper personnel influence and misuse of event admissions), which could bear on any disciplinary or legal follow-up.
• The administration signaled it will enforce state harassment and ethics policies and hold violators accountable.

# What is available now

Gov. Sherrill released the full report publicly. The governor emphasized the investigation's impartiality and said the administration prioritized doing what was right over political expediency.

# What to watch next

• Whether Caldwell complies with the governor's request and resigns within the timeframe set by Sherrill.
• Any additional actions by state ethics authorities or legal bodies based on the report's findings.
• Internal policy or procedural changes the administration may adopt in response to the report and its conclusions.