O’Scanlon accuses Sherrill campaign of mishandling Caldwell whistleblower

New Jersey Globe · David Wildstein · September 9, 2026

State Sen. Declan O’Scanlon (R-Little Silver) is calling for an expanded investigation into whether Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s campaign was warned about allegations involving then-Centenary University President Dale Caldwell while he was campaigning for lieutenant governor.

O’Scanlon referenced a New Jersey Globe report that a potential whistleblower contacted Leslie Bockol, who was working on the Sherrill campaign, with concerns about Caldwell, but after the campaign initially appeared receptive, it later stopped responding and allegedly disclosed her identity despite a request for confidentiality.

“The Caldwell situation is, and must, run its course,” O’Scanlon said. “But this new, under-reported, revelation appears to be a separate potential scandal and raises troubling questions: What did Governor Sherrill, Lt. Governor Caldwell, and their staff know, when did they know it, what did they do about it?”

Bockol, a children’s book author and progressive activist, is now employed by the Department of State as Caldwell’s speechwriter.

O’Scanlon questioned whether Bockol discussed the whistleblower’s concerns with anyone before contact ended, whether the whistleblower faced retaliation, and whether Bockol’s current position was connected to how she handled the matter.

“This is a scandal within the scandal,” O’Scanlon said. “If concerns about Caldwell’s conduct were brought to the Sherrill campaign before voters had the opportunity to judge him, and those concerns were ignored, ghosted, or blocked, that raises serious questions about the Governor’s vetting process and judgment.”

Caldwell is currently under investigation over allegations of inappropriate conduct and possible ethics violations. Former Attorney General Christopher Porrino and former federal prosecutor Shontae Gray are leading the inquiry.

O’Scanlon called on Porrino to determine what the Sherrill campaign was told, who received the information, what action was taken, and whether anyone attempted to suppress or conceal it.

He also said the investigation should examine whether the whistleblower was exposed or intimidated after coming forward.

“If anyone retaliated against, exposed or attempted to intimidate a potential victim or whistleblower for coming forward, they should be held accountable,” O’Scanlon said.

The Monmouth County Republican said the matter ultimately concerns Sherrill’s judgment in selecting Caldwell, placing him on the ticket, and bringing him into the administration. If the allegations are substantiated, O’Scanlon said, Bockol and anyone who directed the alleged response should be fired.

“Follow the facts. Investigate everyone involved,” O’Scanlon said. “Hold accountable anyone whose misconduct is substantiated.”

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