Source: Fox News
Summary
Former New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigned after an ethics investigation found him guilty of sexual harassment and other violations. Caldwell claimed he stepped down to avoid distracting Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s administration. He criticized the report as “poorly done” and denied the allegations. Sherrill called the findings “substantiated” and said Caldwell had repeatedly violated ethics rules. Caldwell’s resignation left a vacancy in the lieutenant governor’s office, which Sherrill said she would fill within 45 days. The acting secretary of state will take over until a permanent replacement is named.
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As expected, the matter has reached another stage.
Caldwell insists he resigned to help Sherrill.
He calls the report ridiculous, but offers no proof.
Sherrill says the findings are clear and repeated.
Another political figure exits under pressure, with no real accountability.
Author: Evan Null
Former Lt. Gov. Resigns Amid Ethics Probe
Dale Caldwell resigned as New Jersey’s lieutenant governor after an independent investigation found him guilty of sexual harassment and ethics violations. The probe, conducted by a law firm hired by the state, detailed multiple instances of misconduct, including a remark that “you young women are looking for young sperm.” Caldwell denied making the comment but admitted to other ethical breaches. He claimed his resignation was to avoid being a distraction to Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s administration.
Sherrill Calls for Resignation After Investigation
Gov. Mikie Sherrill publicly called for Caldwell’s resignation following the release of the 61-page report. She described the findings as “substantiated” and said Caldwell had violated ethics rules despite multiple trainings. Sherrill emphasized that the report outlined a pattern of concerning behavior. She also confirmed that she would fill the lieutenant governor’s vacancy within 45 days, as required by the New Jersey State Constitution.
Caldwell Disputes Report, Calls It Poorly Done
Caldwell strongly disputed the findings of the investigation, calling the report “specious,” “ridiculous,” and “poorly done.” He claimed he resigned to avoid being a distraction to Sherrill’s administration, not because of the allegations. Caldwell’s lawyer said the conclusions of the investigation “go further than the evidence supports.” However, Sherrill defended the probe as “very thorough” and said it laid out a clear pattern of misconduct.
Acting Secretary of State Takes Over
With Caldwell’s resignation, the state’s acting comptroller, Shirley Emehelu, will serve as acting secretary of state. This transition comes just weeks before the midterm elections, which are overseen by the secretary of state’s office. Sherrill said she would appoint a permanent successor to the lieutenant governor’s position within 45 days but would not name an acting lieutenant governor in the interim.
Succession Plan in Place for Gubernatorial Vacancy
If Gov. Sherrill is unable to serve, the line of succession falls to Senate President Nicholas Scutari. This arrangement ensures that there is a clear path for leadership in the event of an emergency or if Sherrill leaves the state before a permanent lieutenant governor is appointed. The transition of power remains a key concern as the state prepares for the upcoming elections.
