New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has asked Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell to resign by Friday after an independent investigation found he violated state ethics and discrimination policies. The report, released on Wednesday, concluded that Caldwell breached the state’s rules against workplace discrimination. It detailed an incident in which he made an inappropriate advance toward a staffer’s friend and, after being rejected, reportedly told the staffer, “you young women are looking for young sperm.” The report described this as one of several serious and repeated violations of state policy, emphasizing that Caldwell failed to uphold the responsibilities of his office. Governor Sherrill released a statement saying that Caldwell’s actions, including the discriminatory remark, were part of a broader pattern of ethical lapses. She emphasized that these violations continued despite multiple warnings and training sessions. The report also accused Caldwell of breaking ethics rules by attempting to secure a promotion for a state employee he was dating and by bringing personal guests to ticketed events without paying for their admission. The report explained that such actions, where event admission is waived for an official’s personal connections, are considered unethical and impermissible benefits. Caldwell’s attorney, Thomas Calcagni, disputed the findings, calling the investigation one-sided and lacking proper due process. He stated that the lieutenant governor was not given a meaningful opportunity to address the anonymous allegations made against him. The legal team argued that the process did not follow fair procedures and failed to provide Caldwell with a chance to defend himself adequately. Governor Sherrill, a Democrat, has urged Caldwell to resign, stating that it is in the best interest of New Jersey residents. She emphasized that the findings of the investigation reflect a pattern of behavior that does not align with the standards of her administration. The situation has drawn attention to the importance of ethical conduct in public office and the need for accountability among state officials.