Caldwell Preaches on False Accusations Two Days After Resignation

Key points

• Caldwell preached at Covenant United Methodist Church in Plainfield on Sunday, September 27, 2026, just two days after resigning on Friday.
• His sermon, titled 'When Lies Become Weapons,' argued that legal processes and investigations do not guarantee truth, citing biblical examples of false accusations.
• Caldwell stated he resigned to prevent his case from becoming a distraction to the Sherrill administration, not because he accepted the report's conclusions.
• Governor Sherrill accepted his resignation after an independent investigation found he made sexually charged remarks to a staffer and violated ethics rules by advocating for a romantic partner's promotion.
• Sherrill appointed acting comptroller Shirley Emehelu as acting secretary of state and has 45 days to select a new lieutenant governor without Senate confirmation.

Background

Caldwell was the first person to resign from the New Jersey lieutenant governor office, a position created in 2009. He served as secretary of state during the 2026 midterm election cycle. Prior to his resignation, he had spent 18 days as acting governor while the investigation was ongoing. The investigation began in May 2026 following an anonymous complaint but was not publicly reported until September 4, 2026.

How outlets are covering it

The New Jersey Globe focused on Caldwell's recent sermon, highlighting his theological arguments against false accusations and his continued support for the Sherrill administration. Politico emphasized the political pressure that forced his resignation, noting that Democratic Senators Andy Kim and Cory Booker joined Sherrill in calling for his departure. While the Globe highlighted Caldwell's claim that he resigned to avoid being a distraction, Politico noted that he had initially resisted the call to step down, insisting the report was based on scant evidence. Both sources agree that Caldwell disputes the findings, but Politico detailed the specific allegations, including a remark to a staffer about 'young sperm' and an ethics violation involving his girlfriend's hiring.

Why it matters

Caldwell's resignation ends a political crisis for Governor Sherrill, allowing her to resume out-of-state travel and focus on the 2026 midterms. The appointment of Shirley Emehelu as acting secretary of state is critical for managing the upcoming elections. The case highlights the tension between executive authority and legislative confirmation in New Jersey, as Sherrill can appoint a new lieutenant governor without Senate approval.

What to watch

Sherrill must select a new lieutenant governor within 45 days. She will also announce a new acting comptroller shortly. Caldwell has indicated he is looking ahead to a 'next chapter' and remains supportive of the administration, though he intends to continue defending his reputation.