New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has called for the resignation of Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell after an independent investigation found he engaged in serious, repeated violations of state policy and failed to uphold the responsibilities of his office.
Sherrill said she is giving Caldwell until tomorrow to resign. The investigation was initiated by the Chief Ethics Officer and conducted by a respected former state Attorney General, she said.
"The investigation found that the Lieutenant Governor engaged in serious, repeated violations of state policy and failed to uphold the responsibilities of his office," Sherrill said. "I'm calling for his resignation and giving him until tomorrow to do so."
Sherrill said the violations reflect a pattern of behavior that does not meet the standards of her Administration, and that the ethical lapses persisted despite multiple warnings and trainings. She called the substantiated finding of sexual harassment "extremely troubling."
"I hold everyone in my Administration to the highest ethical standard," Sherrill said. "We all have a duty to follow our state ethics and harassment policy and our Code of Conduct. Anyone who violates these will be held accountable."
Sherrill, a former federal prosecutor, said the investigation was thorough and impartial, fully examined the evidence, followed the facts and protected everyone's privacy. She said her Administration is committed to doing what is right, not what is politically expedient.
"The Lieutenant Governor's resignation is necessary and in the best interest of New Jersey residents," Sherrill said.
Sherrill also said the President continues to undermine confidence in public service at the federal level, adding that New Jersey will not accept a culture that sweeps misconduct under the rug. She said she will always put the interests of the people of New Jersey first.