Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell resigned from office following the release of an independent investigation that substantiated allegations of sexual harassment and violations of state ethics rules. Governor Mikie Sherrill called for Caldwell’s resignation Thursday evening, September 24, after the investigation concluded that he had engaged in repeated violations of state policy.

The investigation, conducted by former New Jersey Attorney General Christopher Porrino and Lowenstein Sandler LLP, was initiated following an anonymous complaint received by the Governor’s Chief Ethics Officer in May. Mr. Caldwell denied aspects of the allegations, and his attorney disputed the investigation’s findings and process.

Under the New Jersey Constitution, Governor Sherrill has 45 days to appoint a new Lieutenant Governor, with no Senate confirmation or special election required.

Acting State Comptroller Shirley U. Emehelu has been designated as Acting Secretary of State ahead of the November general election. The next Lieutenant Governor is not required to serve as Secretary of State.

Until a successor is appointed, Senate President Nicholas Scutari would serve as Acting Governor whenever Governor Sherrill is outside the state or otherwise unable to perform her duties, with Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin next in the line of succession.

Please reach out to Hilary Chebra, Director, Government Affairs at hchebra@chambersnj.com if you have any questions.