Dale Caldwell resigned as New Jersey lieutenant governor Friday, less than 24 hours after Gov. Mikie Sherrill urged him to quit following an investigation that found he sexually harassed women and violated state ethics rules. Sherrill defended the probe as thorough.
The 61-page report said Caldwell sought a senior post for a state employee he was dating without disclosing the relationship, made a romantic advance toward a staff member’s friend and brought guests to seven events without paying. Caldwell denied telling the friend, “you young women are looking for young sperm”; investigators said they did not find his denial credible. His lawyer disputed the probe’s fairness, said Caldwell forwarded the résumé of a qualified applicant and noted she did not get the promotion.
Sherrill has 45 days to name Caldwell’s lieutenant governor successor and appointed state Comptroller Shirley U. Emehelu acting secretary of state; officials said a replacement for comptroller would be named later. A separate controversy over noncitizens mistakenly and automatically registered to vote under former Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration drew scrutiny to the secretary’s office. Sherrill administration officials said the issue was not widespread and had been remedied.
