newjerseyglobe.com · David Wildstein · September 8, 2026
DiMaio says Sherrill statement on Caldwell investigation ‘doesn’t say anything’ - New Jersey Globe
Assembly Minority Leader John DiMaio. (Photo: Kevin Sanders for the New Jersey Globe).
# DiMaio says Sherrill statement on Caldwell investigation ‘doesn’t say anything’
Republicans continue to put heat on governor, LG
By David Wildstein, September 08 2026 1:00 pm
Assembly Minority Leader John DiMaio said Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s statement Tuesday on the investigation into Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell failed to answer the questions that have emerged since the New Jersey Globe reported on the inquiry.
“We have been here before,” stated DiMaio. “A senior official under investigation for alleged misconduct with women. An administration that says nothing publicly. New Jerseyans lived through the Al Alvarez scandal under Governor Murphy, and officials who claimed ignorance were later shown to have known more than they let on.”
“Governor Sherrill promised something different. Right now, she isn’t delivering it,” he said.
Sherrill said in a statement that any credible report of inappropriate behavior or misconduct involving members of her administration must be “fully examined and addressed.” She did not mention Caldwell or provide details about the allegations or the investigation.
Caldwell is the subject of an internal inquiry into alleged inappropriate behavior with women and possible ethics violations, including the purported offer of state jobs, the New Jersey Globe reported on Friday.
Senate Minority Leader Anthony Bucco (R-Morris) called on Sherrill to seek Caldwell’s immediate resignation, citing reports that the investigation has been underway for months.
Bucco also criticized Sherrill for leaving New Jersey while Caldwell remained in a position to serve as acting governor.
“Allowing Caldwell to serve as acting Governor raises serious unanswered questions, including whether an acting Governor under investigation could attempt to exercise the power of the pardon on his own behalf,” Bucco said. “While it is unclear if that could happen legally, New Jerseyans should not be put in a position where they have to ask that question.”
Bucco said Caldwell’s dual role as lieutenant governor and secretary of state carries “enormous responsibility” and that the allegations had undermined confidence in both offices.
“I believe in due process, but Caldwell resigning would be the best thing for our residents,” Bucco said.
Assemblywoman Vicky Flynn (R-Holmdel) expressed frustration that Sherrill and Caldwell have not directly addressed the current investigation.
“These are serious allegations involving the highest levels of government in this State. These issues should not be handled behind closed doors or kept from the public and the Legislature,” Flynn said. “I had high hopes that Governor Sherrill would reject the ‘good old boys’ culture in New Jersey politics. My recommendation would be greater transparency, not less, especially now.
DiMaio and Assemblyman Christopher DePhillips (R-Wyckoff) said the Sherrill administration’s response was especially troubling because Caldwell holds two constitutional offices and can assume the governor’s powers when Sherrill is outside the state.
DePhillips said the Alvarez scandal was defined not only by the original allegations, but also by the administration’s handling of the matter, including shifting timelines and officials who said they lacked knowledge that records later showed they possessed.
“She doesn’t get to hide behind ‘we don’t comment on personnel matters’ when the man under investigation holds two constitutional offices, Lt. Governor and Secretary of State, and still has the full powers of the governor’s office whenever she leaves the state,” DePhillips stated. “The governor’s silence now is becoming the story in its own right,” he said.
The Republican lawmakers called on Sherrill to explain why Caldwell has not been placed on administrative leave, disclose when the investigation began and who authorized it, provide a timeline for its completion, and commit to releasing its findings.
They also want Sherrill to brief legislative leaders directly on the investigation’s status and scope.
“We don’t know what the allegations are, and I’m not going to pretend we do,” DiMaio said. “But not knowing is exactly why the governor needs to answer basic questions, instead of letting her spokesman say ‘no comment’ while she skips town and leaves him in charge.”
DePhillips said the questions being asked aren’t partisan, but rather basic questions any lawmaker, Republican or Democrat, should be demanding answers to.”
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