NJ Lt. Governor Sexually Harassed Staff, Must Resign, Sherrill Says

TRENTON, NJ — New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill has called for the resignation of Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell following an investigation into accusations that he was sexually harassing staffers.

Sherrill released the report Thursday night and called for his resignation for the "substantiated finding of sexual harassment, which she called "extremely troubling."

"The Lieutenant Governor’s resignation is necessary and in the best interest of New Jersey residents," she said.

"I’ve seen firsthand how a hostile culture can undermine everyone’s ability to succeed. It’s insidious and ruptures the trust within an organization," Sherrill said.

Reports of the investigation surfaced three weeks ago, and on Sept. 9 Caldwell denied any improper behavior. Sherrill addressed the rumors at the time but did not directly confirm the investigation.

"The investigation found that the Lieutenant Governor engaged in serious, repeated violations of state policy and failed to uphold the responsibilities of his office," Sherrill said Thursday. "I’m calling for his resignation and giving him until tomorrow to do so."

"These violations substantiated in the investigation reflect a pattern of behavior that does not meet the standards of this Administration," she said. "The ethical lapses persisted despite multiple warnings and trainings."

According to the report, Caldwell made "a romantic advance toward a female staffer's friend," and was rebuffed. After he was rejected, Caldwell told the staffer, "in reference to her and her friend, that 'you young women are looking for young sperm.' "

Caldwell violated ethics rules in two ways, the report said. He tried on multiple occasions to secure a promotion for a state employee with whom he had a romantic relationship, and the investigation identified at least seven ticketed events where he brought female guests who were not invited and who were permitted entry — and Caldwell never paid for the tickets or reimbursed anyone for his uninvited guests, the report said.

"Leaders have an obligation to make sure everyone in an organization is bought into the mission and able to succeed. I take that responsibility incredibly seriously," Sherrill said. "My goal as Governor is to empower our hardworking public servants, so they can remain focused on serving our state."

"I hold everyone in my Administration to the highest ethical standard," Sherrill said. "We all have a duty to follow our state ethics and harassment policy and our Code of Conduct. Anyone who violates these will be held accountable."

Sherrill said the investigation was thorough and impartial, initiated by the state's chief ethics officer, Christina Fullam, and conducted by Christopher Porrino, a former New Jersey Attorney General.

"The investigation fully examined the evidence, followed the facts, and protected everyone’s privacy. In my Administration, we are committed to doing what is right, not what is politically expedient," Sherrill said.

The full report can be read here.