New Jersey lieutenant governor resigns after sexual harassment accusation

Governor Mikie Sherrill announced Friday afternoon that Caldwell had submitted his resignation earlier that day. The move came one day after Sherrill publicly called on him to step down, following an investigation that found he violated state ethics rules and engaged in conduct that amounted to sexual harassment.

The 61-page report cited credible evidence that Caldwell, 66, made romantic advances toward a friend of a female staffer. Sherrill's office released the findings before pressing him to leave office.

Caldwell's exit leaves New Jersey without a sitting lieutenant governor. It also forces Sherrill's administration to sort out who steps into that role. The resignation capped a fast timeline: an investigation, a public call to resign, and a departure within roughly 24 hours.