Gov. Sherrill Addresses Misconduct Allegations Within Administration

Governor Mikie Sherrill announced on Tuesday that her office is taking "any reports of inappropriate behavior or misconduct extremely seriously," as her Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell reportedly faces allegations.

On Friday, a bombshell report from the New Jersey Globe revealed that Dale was under investigation by Sherrill's office for alleged inappropriate behavior with women.

More: NJ Lt. Governor Under Investigation, Report Says

The report says that Caldwell is also being investigated for "possible ethics violations that include the purported offer of state jobs."

"I know that jobs of public trust impact the lives of everyday people, and I deeply respect the oaths and responsibilities of these positions. Because of this respect, I demand that everyone in my administration hold themselves to the highest standards and put their obligations to public service first," Sherrill said in a Tuesday announcement. “I take my responsibility to treat any reports of inappropriate behavior or misconduct extremely seriously, and any credible report must be fully examined and addressed. If the evidence warrants, I will take appropriate action quickly."

According to the Globe, former New Jersey Attorney General Christopher Porrino is leading the investigation. Porrino has been interviewing complainants, including state employees, and potential witnesses, the report adds.

“I have a vital responsibility to the safety and privacy of every person. Anyone must know that they can come forward with a complaint and they will be safe from retaliation," Sherrill said. "The subject of a complaint must also know and be confident that their rights will be protected as well, and they will receive a fair and thorough review."

Sherrill's Tuesday announcement never mentioned Caldwell by name.

“Let me be clear, I do not back down from tough fights or tough conversations, and I will always put the interests of New Jerseyans first," she added.

Sherrill's comments were met with criticism from New Jersey Republicans, specifically Assembly Republican Leader John DiMaio.

"We have been here before," DiMaio (R-Warren) said. "A senior official under investigation for alleged misconduct with women. An administration that says nothing publicly. New Jerseyans lived through the Al Alvarez scandal under Governor Murphy, and officials who claimed ignorance were later shown to have known more than they let on. Governor Sherrill promised something different. Right now she isn't delivering it."

Joining DiMaio in criticizing "the governor's silence" is Assemblyman Christopher DePhillips (R-Bergen), who says both Republican and Democrat lawmakers should be demanding answers.

The pair is calling on Sherrill to do the following:

• "Immediately address why Lieutenant Governor Caldwell has not been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation;

• Disclose when the investigation began, who authorized it, and when it will be complete;
• Commit publicly to releasing the findings of the investigation when it concludes;
• Inform legislative leadership directly, not through press reports, of the status and scope of the investigation."

About the Lieutenant Governor

Caldwell – a New Brunswick resident – was the president of Centenary University in Warren County when Sherrill selected him as her running mate.

He formerly served as the executive director of the Rothman Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Fairleigh Dickinson University, President of the Educational Services Commission, deputy commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, founding executive director of the Newark Alliance and senior manager at Deloitte Consulting. He volunteered on the New Brunswick school board for 26 years, serving as president for six.

Caldwell is also a pastor of the Covenant United Methodist Church in Plainfield, where he builds a congregation based on the values of “inclusivity, community, and acceptance,” Sherill’s campaign team said during her 2025 campaign.