TRENTON, N.J. — Gov. Mikie Sherrill apparently won’t be taking questions on Tuesday about the investigation of her own lieutenant governor.
The Democrat governor’s official schedule for September 8th — the first workday after Labor Day and the traditional kickoff of New Jersey’s fall political season — contains just three words:
“No public schedule.”
The conspicuous absence comes just days after the New Jersey Globe broke the news that Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell is under investigation by Sherrill’s own administration over allegations of inappropriate behavior toward women and possible ethics violations, including an alleged offer of state jobs.
The administration retained former New Jersey Attorney General Christopher Porrino and his law firm, Lowenstein Sandler, to conduct the investigation. Porrino and former federal prosecutor Shantae Gray have reportedly interviewed complainants and potential witnesses. Caldwell has been cooperating with the probe.
The investigation also wasn’t launched yesterday.
NJ.com reported that the inquiry began in late spring following an anonymous tip and that Caldwell met with investigators approximately two months ago. Despite the ongoing investigation, Caldwell continued performing his official duties and even served as acting governor for three days while Sherrill was out of state last month.
That timeline leaves Sherrill with some significant unanswered questions.
What exactly did the governor know about the allegations against her No. 2? When did she learn about them? Why was Caldwell permitted to serve as acting governor while the investigation was underway? And does Sherrill continue to have confidence in the man she personally selected as her running mate last year?
So far, the Governor’s Office isn’t saying much.
Tuesday 9/8 = the first post-Labor Day Weekend news cycle of the @DaleCaldwell scandal, and @GovSherrillNJ has no public schedule…
— Matt Rooney (@MattRooneyNJ) September 8, 2026
“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, adding that the administration could neither confirm nor deny “potential personnel matters.”
Caldwell’s office has likewise not publicly addressed the substance of the allegations.
Republicans, meanwhile, are beginning to turn up the heat. NJGOP Chairwoman Christine Giordano Hanlon called Sunday for Caldwell to resign, while Senate Minority Leader Anthony Bucco has said Caldwell should temporarily step aside from his duties.
The precise conduct under investigation has not been publicly detailed, but on the first business day since New Jersey learned that her administration has been investigating its own lieutenant governor, there will apparently be no gubernatorial press conference, no public event and no scheduled opportunity for reporters to ask the governor about it.
