The State of New Jersey has hired a law firm to investigate allegations of inappropriate behavior toward women by Lt. Governor Dale Caldwell, sources outside the governor’s office told NBC News.
The exact nature of the allegations is not known.
Caldwell, 66, was elected alongside Gov. Mikie Sherrill, a Democrat, last year. The lieutenant governor, who took office in January, also serves as secretary of state.
Sherrill’s office did not elaborate on any of allegations at the center of the investigation.
“The Governor would take any reports of inappropriate behavior or misconduct extremely seriously and expects our public officials to hold themselves to the highest standards. We cannot confirm or deny potential personnel matters,” Sean Higgins, chief spokesperson for the governor, said in a statement to NBC News.
The existence of the state investigation was first reported on by The New Jersey Globe and The New York Times.
The law firm Lowenstein Sandler will head up the investigation, according to those sources, with partner and chair of the litigation department Christopher Porrino leading the probe. Porrino served as state attorney general for New Jersey during Gov. Chris Christie’s administration.
The investigation has been going on for a couple of weeks but is still in the discovery phase, according to the sources. The firm will be looking at his behavior since he took office in January 2026, but the investigation could lead to conduct prior to his inauguration.
Caldwell has retained counsel and has not replied to NBC News’ request for comment.