TRENTON — Pressure is mounting on New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell as an outside investigation into allegations of inappropriate behavior toward women and possible ethics violations becomes public, with state Republican leaders now calling for him to resign or step aside.
Caldwell, who also serves as New Jersey's secretary of state, is being investigated by former state Attorney General Christopher Porrino and attorneys at the law firm Lowenstein Sandler.
The investigation was first reported Friday by the New Jersey Globe and has since been confirmed by multiple news organizations, including Action News and NBC News.
The precise nature of the allegations has not been publicly disclosed, and no public finding of wrongdoing against Caldwell has been announced.
Action News reported Monday that a source confirmed the inquiry began several weeks ago at the request of Gov. Mikie Sherrill's administration.
Other published reports indicate the investigation may have been underway even longer.
BINJE reported that the inquiry began in late spring following an anonymous tip and that Caldwell met with Porrino approximately two months ago. The publication reported Caldwell has been cooperating with investigators and continued carrying out his official duties while the inquiry was underway.
The New Jersey Globe reported that investigators have been examining allegations of inappropriate behavior involving women and possible ethics violations, including allegations concerning the purported offer of state jobs.
Specific details of those allegations have not been made public.
Governor's Office Responds
Sherrill's office has declined to discuss the details of what it has characterized as a potential personnel matter.
"The Governor would take any reports of inappropriate behavior or misconduct extremely seriously and expects our public officials to hold themselves to the highest standards," Sherrill spokesman Sean Higgins said in a statement reported by multiple news organizations.
"We cannot confirm or deny potential personnel matters."
Caldwell's office has not publicly responded to the allegations.
Caldwell, 66, has continued serving as lieutenant governor and secretary of state during the investigation.
As lieutenant governor, Caldwell can assume the powers of governor when Sherrill is outside New Jersey. Published reports indicate he has served as acting governor since the investigation began.
His other position is also significant. As secretary of state, Caldwell leads the New Jersey Department of State and serves as the state's chief elections officer.
Republicans Call for Caldwell to Resign
The controversy has prompted increasingly sharp criticism from New Jersey Republicans.
New Jersey Republican State Committee Chairwoman Christine Giordano Hanlon has called for Caldwell to resign immediately.
The state GOP has also questioned how long Sherrill knew about the investigation and why Caldwell continued exercising the powers of his offices while it was underway.
Senate Republican Leader Anthony Bucco has separately called for Caldwell to step away from his duties while the investigation is completed.
The investigation itself has not resulted in a publicly announced determination against Caldwell, and the allegations remain unproven.
Atlantic County Voters Helped Elect Sherrill-Caldwell
Although the controversy is centered in Trenton, Caldwell was elected statewide alongside Sherrill in November 2025, and the Democratic ticket received significant support in South Jersey.
Official certified election results reviewed by South Jersey NewsBeat show Sherrill and Caldwell carried Atlantic County with 51,201 votes, or 51.48% of the vote.
Republican Jack Ciattarelli and his running mate, James Gannon, received 47,603 votes, or 47.86%.
That gave the Sherrill-Caldwell ticket an Atlantic County victory of 3,598 votes.
The Democratic ticket performed particularly well in Atlantic City, where Sherrill and Caldwell received 5,804 votes compared with 2,185 for Ciattarelli and Gannon.
Sherrill and Caldwell also carried Egg Harbor Township, 9,332 to 8,622; Galloway Township, 7,503 to 6,925; and Hamilton Township, 5,669 to 4,800.
The result was much different in Cape May County, where voters favored the Republican ticket.
Sherrill selected Caldwell as her running mate during the 2025 gubernatorial campaign. The pair took office in January.
Caldwell previously served as president of Centenary University and held several other education, government and nonprofit leadership positions before joining the Sherrill administration.
The outside investigation remains ongoing. It is not clear when investigators will complete their work or whether their findings will be made public.
About the Author
Peter Killeen
A 25-year radio news veteran, Peter covers South Jersey for NewsTalk 1400 & 92.3 WOND radio. Known for his concise and impactful delivery, he ensures listeners and readers stay informed without unnecessary filler.
