Sherrill addresses Caldwell issue
Promises full review, 'fair and safe' elections
By: Katie Sobko
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey
..... At an unrelated press event on September 9, [2026] Governor Mikie Sherrill would not confirm or deny the reports of an ongoing investigation into Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell.
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"What I can commit to people is that any complaints are taken very seriously and certainly anyone who has a complaint lodged against them, their rights are protected and they have a full hearing and a full review," she said. "I want to make sure that every single person that works for me does so in an environment where they feel safe and supported."
..... In addition to serving as lieutenant governor, which means Caldwell is in charge of day-to-day state operations as acting governor when Sherrill is out of state, he is secretary of state.
..... When asked about the upcoming general election and whether this would serve as a distraction, Sherrill said her administration has been "working around the clock to make sure that our elections are ready to go" and that they are "fair and safe."
..... The governor would not confirm nor deny any restrictions or guardrails on Caldwell's power. Her office would not comment whether her upcoming schedule would include any out-of-state travel.
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Her remarks came hours after news broke that Caldwell had sent a letter in May [2026] to the state's ethics officer denying accusations of misconduct.
..... In the letter, Caldwell allegedly said he had "never asked anyone out on a date, 'hit on,' or pursued anyone romantically while conducting official business."
..... He said he would cooperate with the investigation and the "truth, professionalism, facts and integrity ultimately will prevail over rumor, innuendo and false accusations."
..... Sherrill had not spoken specifically about the investigation before the Wednesday [09/09/2026] evening event.
..... She did release a statement on September 8 [2026] saying "public service is an honor" and that with experience in the Navy, as a prosecutor, in Congress and now as governor, she knows that "jobs of public trust impact the lives of everyday people and I deeply respect the oaths and responsibilities of these positions.
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She went on to say she had a "vital responsibility to the safety and privacy of every person" and that while someone coming forward with a complaint will be safe from retaliation, the "subject of a complaint" can be "confident that their rights will be protected as well and they will receive a fair and through review."
..... Calls to Caldwell to resign or at the very least for more transparency have been pouring in since the news broke last week, [09/02/2026] including from outlets like the USA Today Network New Jersey and the New Jersey Monitor.
..... The chair of the State's Republican Party, Christine Giordano Hanlon, said in a statement that "Caldwell is not only the Lieutenant Governor but is also our Secretary of State - the officials charged with overseeing New Jersey's elections."
..... "That office cannot function under these circumstances," she said. "for the good of the state, and out of respect for the women whose complaints prompted this investigation, Dale Caldwell must resign as Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State immediately."
..... Reports came out last week [09/02/2026] of an internal investigation into Caldwell fro alleged inappropriate behavior with women and possible ethics violations that include the purported offer of state jobs.
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The New Jersey Globe reported that former state Attorney General Christopher Porrino was hired to conduct the investigation and that interviews were underway.
..... Before the election, Caldwell serve as president of Centenary University. he is a Methodist minister.