inquirer.com · Aliya Schneider · September 8, 2026
Gov. Mikie Sherrill breaks silence on Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell investigation
# Gov. Mikie Sherrill breaks her silence on reported investigation into Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell
Caldwell is reportedly under an internal investigation for allegations involving his behavior with women and possible ethics violations including a purported offer of state jobs.
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill and Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell celebrate their victory in last year's election, Tuesday, November 4, 2025, in East Brunswick. Read more Kevin R. Wexler, Kevin R. Wexler
Published Sept. 8, 2026, 1:00 p.m. ET
New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill broke her silence on a reported investigation into Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell Tuesday afternoon, but the governor offered little information on the matter and did not mention her No. 2 by name.
“Public service is an honor. And I have spent a lifetime of service in the Navy, as a prosecutor, in Congress, and now as Governor. I know that jobs of public trust impact the lives of everyday people and I deeply respect the oaths and responsibilities of these positions,” Sherrill, the first-term Democrat said in a statement Tuesday afternoon.
“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.”
Her statement comes four days after the New Jersey Globe first reported that Caldwell is under an internal investigation for allegations of inappropriate behavior with women and possible ethics violations including a purported offer of state jobs.
Sean Higgins, a spokesperson for Sherrill, said on Friday the administration could not “confirm or deny potential personnel matters.”
New Jersey GOP Chair Christine Giordano Hanlon this past weekend criticized the administration’s framing of the situation as “an effort to shield the information from the public” and called on Caldwell to resign.
“The Governor and Lieutenant Governor should not be considered ‘personnel’ — they are the highest level elected officials in the state and must be held to the highest standard of accountability and transparency,” Hanlon said.
Sherrill’s Tuesday statement avoided mentioning any specific investigation or individuals.
“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,” Sherrill said.
The investigation had already begun when Caldwell worked as acting governor when Sherrill was out of state last week, New Jersey Globe reported. BINJE reported that the investigation has been underway for months.
Christopher Porrino, who served as attorney general under former Republican Gov. Chris Christie, is conducting the investigation, the Globe reported.
Sherrill noted in her statement that anyone with a complaint “will receive a fair and thorough review” and be safe from retaliation.
“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 chose Caldwell to be her lieutenant governor after her primary win last summer. Caldwell, who was the first Black president of Centenary University, is a pastor for the United Methodist Church. He has experience working in state government, starting nonprofits, and leading charter schools, and serving on the New Brunswick school board.
Sherrill praised him as a “voice for the voiceless” who has followed in his parents’ footsteps when she announced him as her running mate last year. His mother was a teacher and his father, the Rev. Gilbert Caldwell, was a civil rights activist who protested alongside the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
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