Lt. Governor Dale Caldwell is the subject of an internal investigation by Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s office for alleged inappropriate behavior with women and possible ethics violations that include the purported offer of state jobs, the New Jersey Globe has confirmed.
The Sherrill administration has brought in Christopher Porrino, a former New Jersey Attorney General, to conduct the inquiry. Porrino and one of his law partners, Shontae Gray, a former Assistant U.S. Attorney, have been interviewing complainants, including state employees, and potential witnesses.
Caldwell, 66, who also serves as Secretary of State, has been cooperating with the probe.
Few details about the specific allegations are available, and it’s unclear how long it will take Porrino to complete his assignment. But sources outside the governor’s office, speaking on the condition of anonymity, verified the claim against the lieutenant governor and Porrino’s role.
As recently as last week, after the investigation had begun, Caldwell served as acting governor for three days while Sherrill was out of state. He had no press availability on his public schedule.
Sherrill’s office, though fast to act and launch an investigation, declined to address assertions against Caldwell.
“The governor would take any reports of inappropriate behavior or misconduct extremely seriously and expects our public officials to hold themselves to the highest standards,” said Sean Higgins, a spokesman for Sherrill. “We cannot confirm or deny potential personnel matters.”
Allegations of misconduct, no matter how severe, place Sherrill in a tough spot: she has a history of speaking out in support of women, including those who have served in the military, and providing a space for women to be heard. She risks perforating her brand as a governor with zero tolerance for ethical infractions, and her pledge to run a transparent administration.
Caldwell was a relatively obscure Methodist minister and university president who had served on the New Brunswick Board of Education for 26 years when Sherrill picked him as her running mate last year. Sherrill and Caldwell scored a significant 14-point victory in the 2025 gubernatorial election, and the two took office on January 20 – less than eight months ago.
A strong, likable campaigner, Caldwell quickly emerged as a key Sherrill ally and played a major role on her transition team.
As Secretary of State, Caldwell runs the Division of Elections and has been dealing with a voter registration controversy that was not his fault. The Motor Vehicles Commission had an alleged software glitch that placed about 6,600 noncitizens on the voter rolls. This occurred before Sherrill and Caldwell took office.
This story was updated at 2:19 PM with additional information.