Brennan calls for independent investigation into Caldwell, plans survivor-protection legislation - New Jersey Globe
Brennan calls for independent investigation into Caldwell, plans survivor-protection legislation - New Jersey Globe Assemblywoman Katie Brennan at the Governor’s State of the State Address, January 13, 2026.
newjerseyglobe.com · David Wildstein · September 8, 2026
Brennan calls for independent investigation into Caldwell, plans survivor-protection legislation - New Jersey Globe
Assemblywoman Katie Brennan at the Governor’s State of the State Address, January 13, 2026. (Photo: Kevin Sanders for the New Jersey Globe)
# Brennan calls for independent investigation into Caldwell, plans survivor-protection legislation
Jersey City assemblywoman says reforms proposed after the 2020 sexual-harassment workgroup are long overdue
By David Wildstein, September 08 2026 7:17 pm
Assemblywoman Katie Brennan is calling for a thorough and independent investigation into allegations involving Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell and plans to introduce legislation strengthening protections for survivors and whistleblowers in government and political campaigns.
“These are serious allegations that deserve a thorough and independent investigation,” Brennan (D-Jersey City) said in a statement. “Anyone who uses the power of public office to mistreat the people around them has no business holding it.”
Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s administration is investigating Caldwell over allegations of inappropriate behavior toward women and possible ethics violations, including the purported offer of state jobs. Caldwell also serves as New Jersey’s secretary of state.
An outside legal team led by former state Attorney General Christopher Porrino is conducting the inquiry. The New Jersey Globe first reported the investigation last week.
“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.”
Sherrill said Tuesday that any credible report of inappropriate behavior or misconduct involving members of her administration must be “fully examined and addressed.” She did not specifically name Caldwell or discuss the allegations.
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.
And 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 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; Alvarez was a senior staffer.
Brennan has since used her experience to advocate for a dozen state and federal laws, including the federal Speak Out Act, which President Joe Biden signed in 2022. The law prohibits the use of nondisclosure and nondisparagement agreements involving allegations of sexual harassment and assault.
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.
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