Sherrill calls on Caldwell to resign after the investigation's findings
Governor of New Jersey, in an official statement and X post
“The investigation found that the Lieutenant Governor engaged in serious, repeated violations of state policy and failed to uphold the responsibilities of his office. I’m calling for his resignation and giving him until tomorrow to do so. … These violations substantiated in the investigation reflect a pattern of behavior that does not meet the standards of this Administration. The ethical lapses persisted despite multiple warnings and trainings. The substantiated finding of sexual harassment is extremely troubling. … As a former federal prosecutor, I’m committed to ensuring everyone is treated fairly. This investigation was thorough and impartial. It was initiated by the Chief Ethics Officer and conducted by a respected former state Attorney General. … The Lieutenant Governor’s resignation is necessary and in the best interest of New Jersey residents.”
Source and context
Official statement
About this source
The Governor's official press release announcing the conclusion of the independent investigation, linking the report, and calling for the Lieutenant Governor's resignation by the next day.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Original post
About this source
The full text of the Governor's statement posted on her official, government-verified X account shortly after the report was released.
Before the quotation
Gov. Sherrill's office published the 61-page Lowenstein Sandler report, which is dated September 23, together with this statement. On September 8 she had said that any credible report must be fully examined and that she would take appropriate action quickly if the evidence warranted.
After the quotation
The statement links the full report, says the investigation protected everyone's privacy, and gives Caldwell until the next day, September 25, to resign.
How this statement is classified
Responding to: Lt. Gov. Caldwell's resignation is "necessary and in the best interest of New Jersey residents" because the investigation substantiated serious, repeated violations of state policy.
The label describes this statement’s response within the context above.
Why this label?
Relative to the report's findings and the call for Caldwell's resignation, Sherrill adopts the findings, says they reflect a pattern of behavior, and says his resignation is "necessary." She expressly criticizes the conduct and demands his departure, so condemns applies rather than a challenge to how the conduct is characterized.
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- People and groups discussed
- Dale Caldwell
Should Dale Caldwell resign as New Jersey's lieutenant governor after the investigation's findings?
Explore the case context, sources and public responses.
More from this case
Read the full case“This unnecessarily protracted and one-sided process lacked the requisite due process that should be afforded every citizen of this state … The Lieutenant Governor was not provided a meaningful opportunity to address each of these anonymous allegations or offer readily identifiable witnesses who possessed more pertinent, first-hand knowledge of the events in question. … The most serious finding involves an allegation that Dr. Caldwell made an inappropriate comment during a car ride. Dr. Caldwell categorically denies making that statement. … There is a meaningful difference between making a good-faith error when analyzing the regulations and deliberately using public office for personal benefit. … The Lieutenant Governor participated in the investigative process faithfully to the limited extent permitted, expecting a genuine truth-seeking inquiry. Unfortunately, the report twists seemingly benign phrases, such as ‘executive presence,’ to imply improper motive; relies heavily and unduly on the anonymous complainant’s perceptions, characterizations, and multi-layered hearsay; and disregards the testimony of staffers who did not share those views, as well as the Lieutenant Governor’s own account.”Read statement
“It is deeply disappointing that today’s report has confirmed and substantiated the ethics complaints and harassment allegations against Lt. Gov. Caldwell. This situation has gone on for far too long, and if he doesn’t agree to resign, the Legislature should follow the necessary protocols to resolve this matter once and for all.”Read statement
“I was the contact with the Lieutenant Governor's office, and I received an email informing me that guests would be attending. I also received a phone call from members of his staff regarding the space that would be needed. So when I hear the suggestion that Dr. Caldwell simply "showed up with guests," I believe that characterization deserves to be questioned. The investigation and public discussion should include the people who actually organized and coordinated the event. … Dr. Dale Caldwell deserves a fair hearing, just as anyone else would.”Read statement