Investigation Into NJ Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell Is Keeping Gov. Sherrill From Leaving the State

New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has effectively grounded herself. With an investigation into Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell still open, Sherrill has been staying inside state lines — because under New Jersey's constitution, Caldwell becomes acting governor the moment she leaves the state.

Caldwell, 66, who holds the dual role of lieutenant governor and secretary of state, is under investigation for allegedly behaving inappropriately toward women and possible ethics violations, including claims he brought uninvited female guests to official events. The inquiry is being run by former state Attorney General Christopher Porrino and attorney Shontae Gray, a former federal prosecutor, who have been interviewing state employees and other witnesses. Caldwell denies wrongdoing and says he's cooperating with the investigation.

Sherrill had planned to campaign for Democrats around the country ahead of the midterms. That's now on hold — not because anyone has ordered her to stay put, but because she appears unwilling to risk the optics of Caldwell holding the powers of the governor's office, even temporarily, while he's under investigation.

Sherrill has declined to discuss the investigation's specifics, saying only that credible complaints of inappropriate behavior "must be fully examined and addressed" and that everyone in her administration must meet the highest standards — without naming Caldwell directly. Critics argue that standard line doesn't hold up given Caldwell's position: he's not a staffer she can decline to discuss under a personnel-matters umbrella, but a fellow constitutional officer who could be running the state if she crosses a state line.