Investigation of New Jersey’s lieutenant governor puts pressure on Gov. Mikie Sherrill to act

By Mary McCue Bell - The Washington Times - Tuesday, September 8, 2026

New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell is under investigation for alleged inappropriate behavior with women and possible ethics violations.

Under pressure to oust him, Gov. Mikie Sherrill, a Democrat, broke her silence on the matter Tuesday and demanded that everyone in her administration “hold themselves to the highest standards and put their obligations to public service first.”

“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,” she said on social media without referring to Mr. Caldwell by name.

“At the same time, 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. 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.”

The inquiry, first reported by the New Jersey Globe, is related to alleged inappropriate behavior with women and ethics regarding an offer of a state job.

The internal probe reportedly began weeks ago at the request of Ms. Sherrill’s administration, which brought in an outside law firm headed by former state Attorney General Christopher Porrino to handle it.

State Senate Republican leader Anthony Bucco pinned the blame on Ms. Sherrill for a “complete lack of transparency.”

While the governor campaigned in other states for Democratic candidates, Mr. Bucco called on Ms. Sherrill to remain in New Jersey until the matter is resolved, as her out-of-state absence makes Mr. Caldwell the acting governor.

“Allowing Caldwell to serve as Acting Governor raises serious unanswered questions, including whether an Acting Governor under investigation could attempt to exercise the power of the pardon on his own behalf,” he said in a statement. “While it is unclear if that could happen legally, New Jerseyans should not be put in a position where they have to ask that question.”

Because Mr. Caldwell is an elected official and the governor does not have the power to fire or unilaterally remove him, Mr. Bucco called on Ms. Sherrill to ask him to step down immediately — less than eight months after being sworn in.