Dem Governor Forced to Address Sexual Harassment Scandal

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill has demanded that Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resign after an outside investigation found sexual harassment and repeated ethics violations.

Sherrill gave him until Friday to step down after releasing a 61-page report. The findings cover comments toward women, an effort to help a romantic partner get a promotion, and the use of his office to bring personal guests into ticketed events.

“I’m calling for his resignation and giving him until tomorrow to do so,” she said Thursday evening. “I hold everyone in my Administration to the highest ethical standard. We all have a duty to follow our state ethics and harassment policy and our Code of Conduct. Anyone who violates these will be held accountable.”

The inquiry began after an anonymous complaint in May. Investigators said one workplace harassment claim was substantiated. They found credible evidence that Caldwell made a romantic advance toward a female staffer’s friend at an official event.

After being turned down, he allegedly told the staffer that “you young women are looking for young sperm.” The report called the remark sexual harassment that was “derogatory or demeaning.” Caldwell’s lawyer, Thomas Calcagni, denied that his client said it.

Investigators also found that Caldwell pushed a promotion for a state employee he was dating without disclosing the relationship. He described her as a friend while contacting officials about a senior job. The report said that violated New Jersey’s Uniform Ethics Code.

Calcagni argued there is “a difference between failing to disclose a personal relationship when forwarding the résumé of a qualified job applicant and actually using the power of public office to secure a job or financial benefit for someone.” The report rejected that line. The woman did not get the promotion and no longer works for the state.

The file also covers personal guests, including his daughter and girlfriend, at ticketed events obtained through his official role. Another allegation is that he asked a staffer to help find him a “first lady” for a possible governor’s run. The staffer declined and described him as “pushy.”

Caldwell rejected the report. He told the New York Times the investigation was “driven by misinformation, false assumptions and what seems to be a personal vendetta against me.” He added, “Unfortunately, in this current political environment, false accusations, especially against people of color, seem to be commonplace.”

New Jersey law does not let a governor fire a lieutenant governor. The office is elected. Caldwell would have to resign or face impeachment. Sherrill chose him as her 2025 running mate and once praised him as “a voice for the voiceless.”