N.J. Lt. Gov. Resigns Amid Ethics Report Findings

1 min read

New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell has resigned from office following a request by Governor Mikie Sherrill, who cited a comprehensive ethics report detailing serious policy violations. The report, released by the state’s Chief Ethics Officer and conducted by former Attorney General Chris Porrino, outlined multiple instances of misconduct by Caldwell.

Resignation Follows Ethics Report

Sherrill called for Caldwell’s resignation after the 60-page report confirmed allegations of sexual harassment, inappropriate behavior, and misuse of public resources. The report detailed Caldwell’s sexually explicit comments to a female staff member, assigning tasks to find a romantic partner, and attempting to secure job promotions for a state employee with whom he was romantically involved.

Caldwell was also found to have repeatedly brought uninvited guests to state events without ethics clearance or reimbursement. Despite receiving mandatory conduct training and being notified of the investigation, Caldwell allegedly used his official email to push for his partner’s promotion, disregarding workplace guidelines.

Investigation and Legal Response

The report highlighted Caldwell’s denials during questioning as not credible, especially regarding the sexual harassment allegations that created a hostile work environment. His legal team, including defense attorney Thomas Calcagni, dismissed the findings as false and misleading, arguing that Caldwell was not given a fair opportunity to respond to anonymous claims.

Although Sherrill has the authority to remove Caldwell from his role as secretary of state, stripping him of the lieutenant governor position would require formal impeachment by the New Jersey General Assembly and a two-thirds Senate conviction. Caldwell’s resignation comes amid ongoing legal and ethical scrutiny, marking a significant moment in the state’s political landscape.

Source: OANN

Written by

Connor Davis