New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has initiated an ethics investigation into Lieutenant Governor Dale G. Caldwell concerning allegations of inappropriate conduct involving women, according to two Democratic sources familiar with the matter. The inquiry is being conducted by an external law firm led by Christopher Porrino, a former state attorney general under Governor Chris Christie.

Dr. Caldwell, a Methodist pastor aged 66, was selected by Governor Sherrill as her running mate in the 2025 election, helping secure victory by a 14-point margin. In addition to serving as lieutenant governor, he holds the position of New Jersey’s secretary of state and acts as governor during Sherrill’s absences. He most recently fulfilled this role last week. As secretary of state, Caldwell has oversight of the state's election processes.

The governor’s office declined to confirm or deny the existence of the investigation, which was initially reported by another news outlet. A spokesperson for Governor Sherrill emphasized that any reports of misconduct are taken seriously and that public officials are expected to adhere to high ethical standards. Meanwhile, a representative for Dr. Caldwell referred all inquiries to the governor’s office.

Christopher Porrino, who also served as chief counsel to former Governor Christie, currently leads the litigation department at the politically influential New Jersey law firm Lowenstein Sandler, which is handling the inquiry.

Dr. Caldwell has a long history of public service and educational leadership in New Jersey. In 2023, he became the first Black president of Centenary University in Hackettstown, a role he held while also serving as lieutenant governor. Prior to that, he spent 25 years on the New Brunswick board of education, where he resides, and led the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey for two decades. The commission operates schools dedicated to children with autism and those facing at-risk behaviors.

The investigation is ongoing, and further details have not been publicly disclosed.