Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s (D-NJ) administration has opened an investigation into misconduct allegations facing Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell, who also serves as New Jersey’s secretary of state.
“I know that jobs of public trust impact the lives of everyday people and I deeply respect the oaths and responsibilities of these positions,” Sherrill said in a statement on Tuesday. ”Because of this respect, I demand that everyone in my administration hold themselves to the highest standards and put their obligations to public service first.
“I take my responsibility to treat any reports of inappropriate behavior or misconduct extremely seriously, and any credible report must be fully examined and addressed. If the evidence warrants, I will take appropriate action quickly.”
Sherrill’s statement comes amid a flurry of media reports from multiple outlets that Caldwell is facing an investigation over alleged inappropriate behavior toward women and alleged ethics violations.
The New Jersey Globe reported that Sherrill’s administration has tapped former state Attorney General Christopher Porrino to lead the investigation and that he has begun probing individuals alongside Shontae Gray, a former assistant U.S. attorney and deputy state attorney general.
In her statement released Tuesday, though Sherrill addressed the members of her administration, saying she demands they “hold themselves to the highest standards,” she did not specifically reference Caldwell by name. Sherrill said she has a “vital responsibility to the safety and privacy of every person.”
“Anyone must know that they can come forward with a complaint and they will be safe from retaliation,” Sherrill said. “The subject of a complaint must also know and be confident that their rights will be protected as well and they will receive a fair and thorough review. Let me be clear, I do not back down from tough fights or tough conversations, and I will always put the interests of New Jerseyans first.”
The Washington Examiner has reached out to Caldwell’s and Sherrill’s offices for comment.
New Jersey GOP Chairwoman Christine Giordano Hanlon said in a statement on Friday, following the New Jersey Globe’s report, that the public deserved to know more about the allegations.
“New Jersey residents deserve to know: How many complainants are there?” Hanlon said. “When did the alleged inappropriate activity take place? Was the conduct during the time Sherrill was off stumping for congressional candidates in other states? When did the investigation begin? Was Caldwell under investigation while serving as acting governor?”
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Sherrill tapped Caldwell as her running mate in July 2025 and also named him secretary of state that December after the duo won their election to lead the state a month earlier.
Before the election, Caldwell served as president of Centenary University. He is also a pastor at the Covenant United Methodist Church in Plainfield, New Jersey.