New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill called on Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell — her handpicked second-in-command — to resign Thursday night after a bombshell sexual harassment investigation revealed he tried to get his girlfriend promoted, made a revolting sexual comment to a staffer, and ignored repeated warnings over his inappropriate behavior.

The explosive 61-page report released Thursday paints a picture of a politician run amok, detailing how Caldwell, 66, used his taxpayer-funded position to score expensive event tickets for his romantic conquests, pull strings to get his secret girlfriend a cushy state promotion, and task his own aides with finding him a “first lady.” 

“I’m calling for his resignation and giving him until tomorrow to do so,” Sherrill declared in a statement on Thursday evening.

“I hold everyone in my Administration to the highest ethical standard. We all have a duty to follow our state ethics and harassment policy and our Code of Conduct. Anyone who violates these will be held accountable.”

The Democratic governor’s office launched the independent investigation into one of its own in May after receiving an anonymous letter accusing Caldwell of inappropriate behavior towards women.

The probe led by former New Jersey Attorney General Christopher Porrino and authored by law firm Lowenstein Sandler concluded that the lieutenant governor’s behavior “constituted sexual harassment and was derogatory or demeaning.”

One of the most disturbing allegations in the report occurred in April 2026 when Caldwell hit on a staffer’s much younger friend at an official event, then lashed out in the back of his state vehicle after being rejected, explicitly telling a female aide that “you young women are looking for young sperm,” the report alleged.

Caldwell’s attorney hit back in a statement to NJ.com, claiming “this unnecessary protected and one-sided process lacked the requisite due process that should be afforded every citizen of this state.”

The investigation — which has already cost taxpayers $50,000, according to the outlet — was kept under wraps until recent weeks when allegations that prompted the probe were leaked to the public.

Sherrill clammed up about the ethics review, refusing to confirm or deny leaks to the media until her Thursday announcement.

Anxious Democrats were left in the dark as the investigation unfolded, leading critics to slam Sherrill for hiding the truth, though supporters insist she was merely protecting the victims.

The inquiry comes just seven months after Sherrill and Caldwell were sworn in. 

In July 2025, Sherrill lauded Caldwell as a “voice for the voiceless” and someone who is “committed to New Jersey” when she tapped him to be her running mate against Republican Jack Ciattarelli. 

“I’m proud to select Dale Caldwell as my Lieutenant Governor running mate because we share a commitment to public service and challenging the status quo,” Sherrill said at the time. 

“Dale is the son of civil rights leaders who marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Selma — and he’s followed in his parents’ footsteps and he has always been a voice for the voiceless.”

New Jersey Republicans have demanded that Caldwell be placed on leave while the investigation plays out. 

“Considering the complex duties of his position, Lt. Gov. Caldwell should temporarily step down from his duties as Lieutenant Governor,” GOP state Senate leader Anthony Bucco wrote on X on Sept. 4.