Mejia, Hathaway Call For Lt. Gov To Resign As They Battle For Sherrill's Old Congress Seat

U.S. Rep. Analilia Mejia and former Randolph Township mayor Joe Hathaway have found something they agree on as they battle for Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s former Congress seat in New Jersey.

Mejia and Hathaway both offered statements calling for Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell’s immediate resignation in the wake of bombshell allegations of sexual harassment.

The governor’s office released a 61-page report detailing the investigation on Thursday evening. According to investigators, Caldwell has been accused of sexually harassing women and repeatedly violating state ethics rules in his capacities as lieutenant governor and secretary of state.

Caldwell's attorney released a statement disputing the investigation's findings, saying “the conclusions go further than the evidence supports.”

Sherrill – who previously praised her running mate for his commitment to public service and penchant for “challenging the status quo” – has called for Caldwell to resign by Friday.

• Read More: NJ Lt. Governor Sexually Harassed Staff, Must Resign, Sherrill Says
• Read More: 6 Shocking Revelations From The Dale Caldwell Investigation

Mejia, a Democrat, and Hathaway, a Republican, are among a growing list of elected officials who have commented on the investigation.

“Lt. Gov. Caldwell’s conduct is deeply disappointing and falls far short of the standard we should expect from anyone entrusted with public office,” Mejia said.

“I stand with the victims who had the courage to come forward, and they deserve to be heard, supported and protected,” Mejia said, adding that she supports the actions taken by Sherrill – and the call for Caldwell’s resignation.

“When harassment and ethical violations go unchecked, it sends a message to the public and to state employees that this kind of conduct is tolerated,” Mejia said. “That is simply unacceptable.”

Hathaway is also calling for Caldwell to step down.

“The findings detailed in this investigation are deeply troubling, and Lt. Gov. Caldwell should resign immediately,” he told Patch on Friday.

“Gov. Sherrill needs to answer why she allowed Caldwell to serve as acting governor so she could campaign across the country while these allegations were actively being investigated,” Hathaway said.

“New Jersey deserves more accountability from the governor,” he said.

2026 ELECTION: MEJIA VS. HATHAWAY

The stage is set for a November showdown in New Jersey’s 11th congressional district, with a rematch coming between Mejia and Hathaway.

The district includes several towns in Essex, Morris and Passaic counties (see list below).

Mejia won a special election earlier this year to fill the remainder of Sherrill’s unexpired term in the U.S. House of Representatives, emerging with a win in the Democratic primary and defeating Hathaway and independent challenger Alan Bond in the general election.

Mejia, a longtime labor organizer, said progressive causes like raising the federal minimum wage were a big reason why she earned a win on Election Day.

• Read More: 'Unbought, Unbossed': Mejia Says Progressive Causes Were Key To NJ-11 Victory

Meanwhile, Hathaway recently said he is said he is plowing ahead full steam for November, when a full term in Congress is at stake.

“From the very beginning, our campaign focused on bringing people together around a simple idea: that our district deserves common sense, practical leadership that puts families first, not a political party, not a president, and certainly not a squad,” Hathaway said.

• Read More: NJ Republican Craves Rematch In Battle For Sherrill’s Congress Seat

New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District includes the following municipalities:

Essex County – Belleville, Bloomfield, Cedar Grove, Fairfield, Glen Ridge, Livingston, Maplewood, Millburn, Montclair (part), North Caldwell, Nutley, Roseland, South Orange, West Caldwell

Morris County – Boonton, Boonton Township, Butler, Chatham, Chatham Township, Denville, Dover, East Hanover, Florham Park, Hanover, Harding, Jefferson, Kinnelon, Lincoln Park, Madison, Mendham Twp (part), Montville, Morris Plains, Morris Township, Morristown Town, Mountain Lakes, Parsippany-Troy Hills, Pequannock, Randolph, Riverdale, Rockaway, Rockaway Township, Victory Gardens

Passaic County – Little Falls, Totowa, Wayne (part), Woodland Park

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Analilia Mejia campaign, left; Joe Hathaway campaign, right