Felicia Simmons is a lifelong Asbury Park, New Jersey resident who was twice elected to the Asbury Park Board of Education. She is president and executive director of the Wcc Historic Renovation Association and a lead partner in the Whitesboro Historic Preservation Project.
Case
Gov. Mikie Sherrill called on Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell to resign after an outside law firm's report substantiated a workplace-policy violation and two ethics violations. Caldwell's lawyer disputes the findings and the process, and Republican leaders also urge him to resign.
Role at the time: Organizer of the 2026 Whitesboro Black History Gala and Asbury Park community leader, in a press release
Statement summary
In a September 14, 2026 press release, Felicia Simmons, an organizer of the 2026 Whitesboro Black History Gala, said she was the contact with the Lieutenant Governor's office and received an email informing her that guests would be attending. She questioned the suggestion that Caldwell simply "showed up with guests," said event organizers should be included in the investigation, and said Caldwell "deserves a fair hearing."
“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.”
Relative to the allegations about guests at events, which the report later found substantiated as an ethics violation, Simmons disputes the complaint's description of how guests came to attend and asks that organizers be heard. She does not address the ethics rules or defend unpaid admission, so challenges the characterization fits better than defends or excuses.
Statement dates: September 14, 2026
Statement dates: September 14, 2026
