TRENTON, N.J. – New Jersey Republicans are intensifying their criticism of Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s administration following reports that an investigation into Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell had been underway for months before the public learned about it.
Caldwell reportedly remained on the job as lieutenant governor and secretary of state during that period and also served as acting governor when Sherrill was outside New Jersey. Republicans are now demanding answers about when Sherrill learned of the allegations, what she knew and why Caldwell continued exercising the powers of his office while the investigation proceeded.
- The investigation into Caldwell reportedly began in late spring after an anonymous tip.
- Caldwell reportedly met with investigators roughly two months ago but continued serving as lieutenant governor, secretary of state and, at times, acting governor.
- Republicans say the Sherrill administration should explain when the governor learned about the allegations and why the investigation was not disclosed earlier.
Investigation Was Reportedly Underway for Months
The allegations became public last week, but the investigation itself reportedly began much earlier.
Former New Jersey Attorney General Christopher Porrino was brought in to investigate allegations involving inappropriate conduct toward women and potential ethics issues. Caldwell reportedly met with investigators about two months ago and has been cooperating.
The specific allegations have not been fully disclosed, and investigators have not announced any findings against Caldwell.
That distinction is important. An investigation does not establish wrongdoing, and Caldwell has not been charged with a crime.
But the reported timeline has opened another issue entirely: what the Sherrill administration knew while the investigation was taking place.
Republicans Ask: When Did Sherrill Know?
The New Jersey Republican Party seized on reports that the inquiry began months ago.
“On Friday after reviewing the bombshell report by David Wildstein in the Globe, we laid out a series of questions that the public needed answers to, including ‘when did Governor Sherrill know?’” NJGOP Chairwoman Christine Giordano Hanlon said.
If Sherrill’s campaign knew, then the questions is why did the governor only respond once it was exposed by the media.
“We now have the answer as reported in BINJE: months ago.”
Republicans argue that Caldwell’s continued service makes the timing especially significant.
“And in all that time, the Sherrill Administration told the people of New Jersey nothing — while Dale Caldwell continued to serve as Lieutenant Governor, as Secretary of State, and repeatedly as Acting Governor,” Hanlon said.
The party is calling for Caldwell to resign.
Republicans have also questioned why the administration treated the matter as confidential when the person under investigation holds two of the most powerful positions in New Jersey government.
Caldwell Continued Serving as Acting Governor
Caldwell isn’t simply another state employee.
As lieutenant governor, he assumes the powers of governor when Sherrill leaves New Jersey. He also serves as secretary of state, putting him at the head of the department responsible for overseeing elections.
Caldwell reportedly served as acting governor after the outside investigation was already underway.
That is now a central part of the GOP’s criticism.
“The Governor and Lieutenant Governor should not be considered ‘personnel’ – they are the highest level elected officials in the state and must be held to the highest standard of accountability and transparency,” Hanlon said.
Senate Republican Leader Anthony Bucco has separately called for Caldwell to step away from his duties while the investigation is completed.
Sherrill’s Office Says Allegations Would Be Taken Seriously
The Sherrill administration has not publicly confirmed the investigation or provided a detailed timeline showing when the governor learned about it.
“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,” Sherrill spokesman Sean Higgins said.
“We cannot confirm or deny potential personnel matters.”
That response has done little to quiet Republican criticism.
“This is not just a personnel matter. This is the lieutenant governor and Secretary of State of New Jersey,” Hanlon said.
The administration has not publicly explained whether Caldwell’s responsibilities were changed or restricted after the allegations surfaced.
Two Separate Questions Now Hang Over Trenton
There are ultimately two issues surrounding the controversy.
The first is whether investigators find evidence supporting the allegations against Caldwell. No public finding of wrongdoing has been announced, and the allegations should not be treated as established fact.
The second concerns how the Sherrill administration handled the situation after learning an investigation was necessary.
Republicans are concentrating heavily on that question.
They want to know exactly when Sherrill learned of the allegations, whether she knew Caldwell had been interviewed by investigators and why he was permitted to continue serving as acting governor while the inquiry remained underway.
For Sherrill, those questions could remain politically difficult even if the investigation ultimately clears Caldwell.
The Caldwell investigation reportedly began months ago.
Published reports say an outside investigation began in late spring and Caldwell met with investigators approximately two months ago.
Republicans say the administration withheld important information.
The NJGOP argues New Jersey residents should have been told about the investigation while Caldwell continued serving as lieutenant governor, secretary of state and acting governor.
No wrongdoing has been established against Caldwell.
The allegations remain under investigation, their full details have not been publicly disclosed and no finding substantiating them has been announced.
Sources: New Jersey Republican Party; Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s Office; statements and published reporting concerning the Caldwell investigation.
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