New Jersey Senate Republicans

09/25/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/25/2026 11:45

9th District Delegation Calls for Answers Following Investigation into Lt. Gov. Caldwell

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9th District Delegation Calls for Answers Following Investigation into Lt. Gov. Caldwell

Carmen Amato Posted on September 25, 2026

Following the release of an independent investigative report concerning Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell, the 9th Legislative District delegation is calling for greater transparency from the Governor's Office regarding its handling of the allegations and the circumstances surrounding the investigation.

The 61-page investigation found that Caldwell engaged in serious violations of state policy, including a substantiated finding of sexual harassment, ethics violations involving a state employee with whom he had a romantic relationship, and violations related to bringing personal guests to ticketed events without appropriate payment or reimbursement. Caldwell's attorneys have disputed the findings and issued a response challenging the conclusions of the investigation.

Governor Sherrill announced Thursday that she was calling for Caldwell's resignation and giving him until Friday to step down.

While the findings of the independent investigation must be addressed, the release of the report also raises important questions regarding the administration's handling of the matter and the timeline of what the Governor and her administration knew and when they knew it. The investigation was initiated after a complaint was received by the Governor's Office Chief Ethics Officer in May.

The delegation is calling for:

  • Direct communication from Governor Sherrill: The Governor must hold a public press conference to explain the administration's handling of the allegations, including when she and her senior staff became aware of the concerns and what steps were taken while the investigation was pending.
  • Transparency regarding executive authority: The administration must provide clarity regarding instances in which executive powers were transferred to Caldwell while the investigation was pending, including the relevant dates and circumstances.

The Delegation issued the following statement:

"This is about accountability and the public's trust in state government. The investigative report has now been released, and the Governor has called for the Lieutenant Governor's resignation. The public is entitled to understand what the administration knew, when it knew it, what actions were taken, and why. Those are reasonable questions that deserve direct answers.

"The release of this report does not end the questions surrounding this matter. It is now incumbent upon the administration to be transparent about how these allegations were handled from the outset. New Jersey residents should not have to piece together the timeline through news reports and public records.

"The people of New Jersey expect the highest standards of conduct from those entrusted with public office. The investigative findings and the Governor's handling of this matter warrant public scrutiny. The appropriate path forward is full transparency, accountability, and respect for the public's right to know."

The 9th District delegation said it will continue seeking answers regarding the administration's handling of the investigation and the responsibilities of the state's highest executive offices.

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