New Jersey Lt Gov Dale Caldwell resigned Friday after investigators found he violated state ethics rules and engaged in behavior constituting sexual harassment. Governor Mikie Sherrill said she would appoint Shirley Emehelu as acting lieutenant governor.
The 61-page report said it found credible evidence that Caldwell made romantic advances toward a female staffer’s friend, advocated for his girlfriend’s promotion to a senior state job without disclosing their relationship until confronted, and brought at least three personal guests, including his girlfriend, to ticketed events without prior authorization or payment. His girlfriend did not get the promotion and no longer works for the state.
Sherrill opened the investigation in May after receiving an anonymous letter. Caldwell’s lawyer called the investigation “one-sided” and the findings “palpably deficient.” The resignation came weeks before midterm elections, which the lieutenant governor oversees; Caldwell also served as New Jersey’s secretary of state, the state’s chief elections officer.
