New Jersey Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigned Friday after Gov. Mikie Sherrill demanded that he leave office over allegations of inappropriate conduct toward women and several ethical violations.

Sherrill announced Caldwell’s resignation after giving him an ultimatum to step down by Friday. As lieutenant governor is an independently elected position in New Jersey, Sherrill did not have the authority to fire him.

“His decision will allow us to move forward with important work serving the people of our state,” Sherrill said. “In my administration we are committed to doing what is right, not what is politically expedient.”

Sherrill selected Caldwell, a Methodist pastor and former president of Centenary University, as her running mate in 2025. The pair won the election and took office in January, but Caldwell became the subject of an anonymous complaint within months.

Sherrill hired the law firm of former New Jersey Attorney General Christopher Porrino to investigate. A report released Thursday found that Caldwell had committed multiple violations of state policy.

According to the report, Caldwell made an advance toward a staff member’s friend and, after being rejected, allegedly told the staffer, “you young women are looking for young sperm.”

The investigation also found that Caldwell sought a promotion for a state employee he was dating and brought personal guests to ticketed events without paying for them as required by ethics rules.

Caldwell denied wrongdoing. His attorney, Thomas Calcagni, said Caldwell never made the alleged “sperm” comment and did not use his position to advance his romantic relationships. Caldwell also argued that his relationships with women received heightened scrutiny because he is a single Black man.

Sherrill said Caldwell’s resignation was necessary after “serious, repeated violations of state policy” despite multiple warnings and training.

As lieutenant governor, Caldwell was next in line to succeed Sherrill if she died, resigned or became incapacitated. He also served as New Jersey’s secretary of state, giving him oversight responsibilities involving the state’s elections.