NJ Lt. Governor Dale Caldwell has resigned, Gov. Sherrill says

Key Points:

• New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigned following a substantiated sexual harassment complaint and findings of workplace policy and ethics violations, including accepting free event tickets and seeking a promotion for a state employee he was dating.
• Caldwell denied the allegations and his lawyer vowed to challenge the investigation’s findings, calling the process biased, but Gov. Mikie Sherrill accepted the resignation as a step toward changing the state government’s culture and ensuring a safe work environment.
• Shirley Emehelu, acting state comptroller, was appointed to replace Caldwell as acting secretary of state and will oversee the upcoming November elections amid ongoing scrutiny over voter registration errors from a previous administration.
• Caldwell’s resignation came after pressure from Democratic and Republican lawmakers, ending speculation about impeachment proceedings, with legislative leaders emphasizing the importance of uninterrupted governance and public trust restoration.
• Caldwell, who served less than nine months as lieutenant governor and was noted for his civil rights legacy and connection to Black voters, was a key figure in Sherrill’s administration, which now faces challenges including election integrity and racial equity initiatives.