New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigned Friday, less than a day after an independent investigation found ethics violations and conduct that “constituted sexual harassment”; he denied the allegations. Gov. Mikie Sherrill has 45 days to choose his successor.
The state constitution gives Sherrill until early November—Nov. 9 if Friday was the official resignation date—to appoint a successor, without state Senate confirmation. Sources identified former Assembly member Shavonda Sumter and Sherrill chief operating officer Kellie Doucette as possible contenders, but said it was unclear whether an official shortlist exists.
State Comptroller Shirley Emehelu, another potential lieutenant governor candidate, is Sherrill’s pick for secretary of state, the other office Caldwell held. Sherrill said selecting a secretary was urgent because the office oversees elections, with November’s midterms less than two months away; the state is also addressing the erroneous addition of thousands of noncitizens to voter rolls in 2023 and 2024.
