New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell, who also serves as the state’s Secretary of State, is under investigation over allegations of inappropriate behavior toward women and possible ethics violations, including claims involving the purported offering or discussion of state jobs.

The investigation was launched at the request of Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s administration several weeks ago and is being conducted by former New Jersey Attorney General Christopher Porrino and attorneys at Lowenstein Sandler. Caldwell has reportedly retained counsel and has been cooperating with the investigation. No findings of wrongdoing or criminal charges have been announced.

Few details surrounding the specific allegations have been made public.

The governor’s office has stopped short of confirming details of what it has described as a potential personnel matter. Sherrill spokesman Sean Higgins said the governor would take any reports of inappropriate behavior or misconduct “extremely seriously” and expects public officials to hold themselves to the highest standards.

Caldwell’s office has not publicly responded to the allegations.

The controversy has prompted calls from Republican officials for Caldwell to step aside. New Jersey Republican State Committee Chairwoman Christine Giordano Hanlon has called for his resignation, while Senate Republican Leader Anthony Bucco has called for Caldwell to temporarily step away from his duties while the investigation is underway.

Lakewood Alerts notes that if Caldwell were to resign or otherwise leave the office of lieutenant governor, New Jersey would not hold a special election to replace him, despite some reports suggesting otherwise. Under the New Jersey Constitution, Sherrill would have 45 days to appoint a new lieutenant governor to serve the remainder of the term.

Lakewood Alerts also notes that Caldwell’s position is unusual because he simultaneously serves as Secretary of State. Unlike most heads of state departments, the Secretary of State and Attorney General do not simply serve at the governor’s pleasure. The Constitution does, however, provide a process allowing the governor to remove certain state officers for cause following notice, formal charges and a public hearing, with the officer entitled to judicial review.

Separately, state officers are subject to impeachment. A majority of the New Jersey General Assembly is required to impeach an official, followed by a trial in the state Senate, where a two-thirds vote is required for conviction and removal.

The investigation into Caldwell remains ongoing, and no final determination has been publicly announced.