New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has formally requested the resignation of Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell following the completion of an independent investigation. The probe, which began in May 2026, was conducted by an outside law firm, Lowenstein Sandler, led by former Attorney General Christopher Porrino and partner Shontae Gray. It uncovered allegations that Caldwell engaged in inappropriate behavior with women and potentially violated ethics rules by offering state jobs.
The investigation, which remained private for months, became public in early September. Caldwell has denied all allegations, asserting in a May 28 letter to Chief Ethics Officer Christina Fullam that he had not used his position to romantically pursue women and suggesting racial bias as a factor. He has retained former federal and state prosecutor Thomas Calcagni and is also advised by former New Jersey Attorney General Peter Harvey.
The inquiry has created a significant political challenge for Governor Sherrill, who is considered a rising star in the Democratic Party. While the investigation was ongoing, Sherrill reportedly limited her out-of-state travel to avoid situations where Caldwell would act as governor. Republican legislative leaders, including NJGOP Chairwoman Christine Giordano Hanlon, have criticized the lack of transparency in the investigation and called for Caldwell's resignation or a separate legislative inquiry.
The Lowenstein Sandler firm was paid a blended rate of $450 per hour for partners, shareholders, and associates, and $90 per hour for paralegals, for their work on the investigation. Despite the governor's call for his resignation, Caldwell has reportedly told friends he will not resign, maintaining his innocence and emphasizing his professional conduct throughout his career in various public and private sector roles.
The public is still awaiting the full details of the investigation's findings and when they will be released. The prolonged nature of the probe and the governor's initial reluctance to discuss specifics have drawn criticism regarding transparency from both Republicans and some Democrats, who expressed frustration at being left in the dark.
