New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has demanded the resignation of Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell after an independent investigation concluded he committed serious and repeated violations of state policy, including sexual harassment, and failed to uphold the responsibilities of his office. Governor Sherrill stated that Caldwell has until Friday to step down, emphasizing her commitment to holding all administration members to the highest ethical standards.
The investigation, initiated by the Chief Ethics Officer and conducted by a former state Attorney General, found a pattern of ethical lapses that persisted despite prior warnings and training. Governor Sherrill expressed significant concern over the substantiated finding of sexual harassment, highlighting the detrimental impact of a hostile culture on an organization's ability to succeed and trust.
Governor Sherrill, a former federal prosecutor, reiterated her dedication to fairness and accountability, stressing that the resignation is necessary for the best interest of New Jersey residents. She contrasted her administration's approach with perceived federal-level misconduct, affirming that her state will not tolerate or sweep such issues under the rug. This call for resignation comes as a new "headache" for Governor Sherrill, following previous challenges related to voter roll issues.
