New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell Resigns — The Guardian

New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell has resigned after the release of an investigative report that found he violated the state's ethics rules and engaged in conduct amounting to sexual harassment. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill said Caldwell submitted his resignation to her earlier on September 25.

As The Guardian reports, the 66-year-old official resigned the day after Sherrill called on him to leave office. The investigative report is 61 pages long.

Investigation findings

Investigators said they had evidence they deemed credible of Caldwell making romantic advances toward the friend of an employee. According to the investigation, after being rejected, he made a derogatory remark about women.

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The report also says Caldwell sought a promotion to a senior position for his girlfriend, who was a state employee. He acknowledged that he did not disclose the nature of their relationship until he was confronted about it. According to investigators, he continued to advocate for her candidacy even after learning about the investigation. Ultimately, the woman did not receive the promotion and no longer works in the state government.

Temporary replacement

The investigation also found that Caldwell brought at least three personal guests, including his girlfriend, to ticketed events without prior authorization or payment. The review began in May after an anonymous letter complained about his behavior during official trips and events.

Caldwell's lawyer had previously called the investigation one-sided and the report's conclusions insufficiently substantiated. Sherrill said she would appoint acting State Comptroller Shirley Emehelu as interim lieutenant governor. Caldwell also served as New Jersey's secretary of state and the state's chief elections official.