GOP lawmakers demand virtual lynching of Lt. Gov. Caldwell amid unspecified probe

By James J. Devine

Ready-fire-aim Republican state legislators are pressing for the immediate removal of Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell, demanding a virtual lynching rather than justice from Gov. Rebecca “Mikie” Sherrill’s administration.

Sherrill ordered an independent investigation into allegations of inappropriate behavior toward women and possible ethics violations, to proceed under the leadership of a former Attorney General who served under the last Republican governor.

The push for a speedy resolution comes from GOP lawmakers who have historically remained silent or dismissive regarding serious allegations against President Donald Trump, including multiple sexual assault allegations, government actions challenged as unlawful, and allegations of self-enrichment during his time in the White House.

In New Jersey, the lieutenant governor’s role holds substantial constitutional authority, so there’s not much Sherrill could do to step in before all the facts come to light.

The office was created through a voter-approved constitutional amendment in 2005 that took effect in January 2006. The governor and lieutenant governor are elected jointly on the same ticket, serve the same four-year term, and must be members of the same political party.

If the governor’s office becomes vacant because of death, resignation, removal, or another cause, the lieutenant governor becomes governor until a new governor is elected and qualifies. Additionally, the lieutenant governor serves as the head of a Cabinet-level department or administrative agency within the governor’s administration, with the exception of the attorney general’s office.

The position also carries specific statutory duties, including serving as an ex officio voting member of the Rutgers Board of Governors and as chairperson of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, with an annual salary set at no less than 85% of the governor’s salary.

This dual role as lieutenant governor and secretary of state — which Caldwell currently holds — places him second in the line of succession and in a position to assume gubernatorial powers whenever the governor is out of state.

Crucially, however, Sherrill does not possess the authority to simply fire Caldwell from his elected office. Under the New Jersey Constitution, Caldwell is an elected official who was voted into office alongside Sherrill in 2025.

Removal of an elected lieutenant governor can involve constitutional processes such as a recall election or impeachment and conviction, while Caldwell could also resign voluntarily.

Questions surrounding the governor’s authority over Caldwell’s separate position as secretary of state are more complicated.

A 2003 legal opinion suggested that a governor might remove a secretary of state “for cause,” but how such authority would apply when the secretary of state simultaneously holds the independently elected office of lieutenant governor is less clear.

Assembly Minority Leader John DiMaio said Sherrill’s statement Tuesday on the investigation into Caldwell failed to answer questions that have emerged since the inquiry was first publicly reported by a political gossip blogger who gained fame as the Republican dirty trickster who shut down access to the George Washington Bridge and later testified against his co-conspirators, Bill Baroni and Bridget Kelly.

While the investigation into the unspecified allegations remains ongoing, GOP politicians are not waiting for justice, as polling suggests Democrats have a hefty advantage going into the midterm elections eight weeks from now.

Two of New Jersey’s three Republican congressmen are facing serious challenges.

The nation’s most vulnerable Republican, Rep. Tom Kean Jr., faces a marquee challenge from Democrat Rebecca Bennett in the 7th District, a race drawing intense national scrutiny following his prolonged absence following a nervous breakdown earlier in the year and last year’s votes to cut off millions of Americans from health care and food.

Meanwhile, Rep. Jeff Van Drew is facing a strong challenge from Cape May Mayor Zack Mullock in the 2nd District.

Residents are still embarassed by Van Drew’s bizarre claim that mysterious drone sightings over New Jersey originated from an Iranian “mothership” stationed off the U.S. East Coast, a statement that was quickly debunked.

“At a time of heightened tensions in which war hawks are openly calling for the U.S. to attack Iran, spreading misinformation to scare Americans into fearing a so-called Iranian threat is profoundly reckless and we are glad the Congressman corrected the record,” said NIAC Policy Director Ryan Costello, after Van Drew retracted the claim. “Regrettably, fear mongering about supposed security threats, particularly Iran, is all too common from our elected officials and the war industry in Washington and contributes both to the securitization of U.S. policy and xenophobia against Iranian Americans.”

Van Drew also once stated that he had personally spoken with “large numbers” of deceased people who had received mail-in ballots while echoing Trump’s opposition to mail-in voting.

“We have been here before,” DiMaio said. “A senior official under investigation for alleged misconduct with women. An administration that says nothing publicly. New Jerseyans lived through the Al Alvarez scandal under former Governor Phil Murphy, and officials who claimed ignorance were later shown to have known more than they let on.”

“Governor Sherrill promised something different. Right now, she isn’t delivering it,” said DiMaio, who has consistently maintained public silence regarding President Donald Trump’s numerous indictments, ethical controversies, and sexual misconduct allegations (such as the E. Jean Carroll civil verdicts).

DiMaio has never issued official press releases or statements condemning or addressing Trump’s personal or legal liabilities.

Sherrill said in a statement that any credible report of inappropriate behavior or misconduct involving members of her administration must be “fully examined and addressed.” She did not mention Caldwell by name or provide details about the allegations or investigation.

Caldwell is the subject of an inquiry into alleged inappropriate behavior toward women and possible ethics violations, including the purported offer of state jobs, according to published reports. An outside legal team led by former state Attorney General Christopher Porrino, who served during the administration of Republican Gov. Chris Christie, is conducting the inquiry.

Senate Minority Leader Anthony Bucco, R-Morris, called on Sherrill to seek Caldwell’s immediate resignation, citing reports that the investigation has been underway for months.

Bucco also criticized Sherrill for leaving New Jersey while Caldwell remained in a position to serve as acting governor.

“Allowing Caldwell to serve as acting governor raises serious unanswered questions, including whether an acting governor under investigation could attempt to exercise the power of the pardon on his own behalf,” Bucco said. “While it is unclear if that could happen legally, New Jerseyans should not be put in a position where they have to ask that question.”

Bucco said Caldwell’s dual role as lieutenant governor and secretary of state carries “enormous responsibility” and that the allegations have undermined confidence in both offices.

“I believe in due process, but Caldwell resigning would be the best thing for our residents,” Bucco said.

Like DiMaio, Bucco’s legislative history shows a pattern of remaining silent on Trump’s controversies, and he has not called for accountability regarding the ethical or sexual misconduct allegations against the Republican president.

Assemblywoman Vicky Flynn, R-Holmdel, expressed frustration that Sherrill and Caldwell have not directly addressed the investigation.

“These are serious allegations involving the highest levels of government in this state. These issues should not be handled behind closed doors or kept from the public and the Legislature,” Flynn said. “I had high hopes that Governor Sherrill would reject the ‘good old boys’ culture in New Jersey politics. My recommendation would be greater transparency, not less, especially now.”

Like her Republican colleagues, Flynn has maintained public silence regarding personal and sexual misconduct controversies involving Trump, the national head of her party.

Another GOP mute, Assemblyman Christopher DePhillips, R-Wyckoff, said the Sherrill administration’s response was especially troubling because Caldwell holds two significant state offices and can assume the governor’s powers when Sherrill is outside the state.

DePhillips said the Alvarez scandal was defined not only by the original allegations but also by the administration’s handling of the matter, including shifting timelines and officials who said they lacked knowledge that records later showed they possessed.

“She doesn’t get to hide behind ‘we don’t comment on personnel matters’ when the man under investigation holds two constitutional offices, lieutenant governor and secretary of state, and still has the full powers of the governor’s office whenever she leaves the state,” DePhillips said. “The governor’s silence now is becoming the story in its own right.”

The Republican lawmakers called on Sherrill to explain why Caldwell has not been placed on administrative leave, disclose when the investigation began and who authorized it, provide a timeline for its completion and commit to releasing its findings.

They also want Sherrill to brief legislative leaders directly on the investigation’s status and scope.

“We don’t know what the allegations are, and I’m not going to pretend we do,” DiMaio said. “But not knowing is exactly why the governor needs to answer basic questions, instead of letting her spokesman say ‘no comment’ while she skips town and leaves him in charge.”

DePhillips said the questions being asked are not partisan but are basic questions that any lawmaker, Republican or Democrat, should be asking.

The Republican demands have also drawn criticism from Democrats who argue that Caldwell should not be judged before the investigation is completed and its findings are released.

State Sen. Britnee Timberlake, D-East Orange, raised concerns about the historical treatment of Black men accused of wrongdoing and argued that Caldwell should receive due process while women who report misconduct must also be taken seriously.

“Our country has seen far too many situations where men of color are accused, condemned in the court of public opinion, and even prosecuted for crimes they did not commit,” Timberlake said.

Democrats Push Back, Call for Fair Process

Timberlake defended Sherrill’s decision to conduct what she called an “integrity-driven investigation” into the allegations, saying the process must protect both those who come forward and the subject of the inquiry.

“Our country has seen far too many situations where men of color are accused, condemned in the court of public opinion, and even prosecuted for crimes they did not commit,” Timberlake said. “At the same time, it is also painfully common for women — especially when speaking about experiences involving men in positions of power — to be dismissed, shut down, shunned, blamed, and denied the basic respect and seriousness their voices deserve.”

Timberlake said the investigation must account for the different ways men of color and women who accuse powerful men of misconduct have historically been treated.

“As a Black woman, I can state without hesitation that a fair, independent investigation is the only path that honors both truths,” Timberlake said. “It protects those who have historically been judged prematurely, and it ensures anyone who comes forward is treated with urgency, dignity, privacy, and fairness. A process where truth and justice prevail.”

Timberlake also criticized Republican leaders who have attacked Sherrill’s handling of the investigation before any findings have been released.

“It is deeply troubling to watch some Republican leaders twist this matter into a political weapon when the only public fact is that an independent investigation is underway, with no findings released,” she said.

“Their outrage is especially hollow given their long history of ignoring or minimizing well-documented scandals — including the Epstein files, which involved pedophilia, trafficking and years of suppressed information that shielded powerful men,” Timberlake said. “The secrecy surrounding those records is so egregious that even Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene publicly declared ‘enough is enough’ and demanded transparency before abruptly quitting Congress due to the hypocrisy.”

The Essex County Democrat accused many Republican leaders of saying nothing “despite victims’ testimony, corroborating evidence and widespread public concern.”

“That silence becomes even more glaring when contrasted with their refusal to confront President Trump’s widely circulated comments about grabbing women’s private parts without consent — statements millions of Americans found disturbing and inappropriate,” Timberlake said. “This selective outrage, loud when politically convenient and mute when accountability touches their own sphere, undermines any claim to moral seriousness and erodes public trust.”

She said Sherrill’s handling of the investigation was consistent with the responsibilities of public leadership.

“Governor Mikie Sherrill is doing what any good leader should do in these unfortunate circumstances: ensuring an independent, unbiased investigation occurs, while maintaining impartiality and privacy until the process is complete,” Timberlake said.

She praised Sherrill “for seeking out the truth and doing so in a professional, independent manner.”

Assemblywoman Proposes Sweeping Reforms

Assemblywoman Katie Brennan, D-Jersey City, who became a leading advocate for victims of sexual assault after accusing Al Alvarez of raping her while she was volunteering on Phil Murphy’s 2017 gubernatorial campaign, is calling for a thorough and independent investigation into the allegations involving Caldwell and plans to introduce legislation strengthening protections for survivors and whistleblowers.

“These are serious allegations that deserve a thorough and independent investigation,” Brennan said. “Anyone who uses the power of public office to mistreat the people around them has no business holding it.”

“Governor Sherrill moved quickly here, and I’m glad she did, but survivors shouldn’t have to hope that the people in charge will do the right thing,” Brennan said. “Our laws still fail to protect survivors when they come forward, and that has to change.”

The legislation Brennan plans to introduce would codify New Jersey’s State Workplace Anti-Harassment and Discrimination Policy, establishing clear standards for investigating and resolving complaints. A second measure would require political campaigns to adopt anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies, train staff on those policies and create an independent body to receive and investigate complaints. A third bill would clarify reporting rules and strengthen protections for survivors who disclose misconduct.

“These reforms almost became law six years ago, and it’s past time we finished the job,” Brennan said.

Brennan first recommended similar reforms in 2020 to the Workgroup on Harassment, Sexual Assault and Misogyny in New Jersey Politics. The legislative panel, led by former Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, examined how state government and political campaigns handle harassment and abuse.

Brennan has since used her experience to advocate for state and federal legislation, including the federal Speak Out Act, which President Joe Biden signed in 2022. The law limits the enforceability of predispute nondisclosure and nondisparagement agreements in cases involving sexual assault or sexual harassment.

The reforms Brennan is proposing would revive efforts that stalled after the 2020 workgroup’s recommendations and apply new requirements to both public employers and political campaigns.

In 2023, Caldwell became the president of Centenary University, becoming the first person of African descent to hold this position at the private Methodist university.

Caldwell is a pastor at Covenant United Methodist Church in Plainfield and he served 26 years on the New Brunswick school board before stepping down in 2024 to devote more time to his position as Centenary’s president.

Caldwell served as assistant and then deputy commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs under Governor Jim McGreevey from 2003 to 2005.

He also served as chairman of the New Brunswick Housing Authority, worked as executive director of the Rothman Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Fairleigh Dickinson University, and managed charter schools in Asbury Park and Trenton.

He also served as president of the Educational Services Commission, the largest public school district in the state for students with disabilities.

Caldwell has also spent many years as a tennis player and coach. He served as president and CEO of the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Eastern Section, founded the Black Tennis Hall of Fame, and was inducted into the Eastern Tennis Hall of Fame.

“Caldwell comes from a family with a tradition of activism,” according to the Amsterdam News. “His father, the late Rev. Gilbert Caldwell, was deeply involved in the 1960s Civil Rights Movement; he marched alongside Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in the historic Selma ‘Bloody Sunday’ march of 1965 and attended the 1963 March on Washington.”

No findings have been publicly released, and Caldwell has not been charged with a crime or any specific wrongdoing.