TRENTON, N.J. (VINnews) — The chairwoman of the New Jersey Republican Party on Sunday demanded the immediate resignation of Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell, citing an internal investigation into allegations of inappropriate conduct toward women and possible ethics violations that she said the administration has kept quiet for months.

Christine Hanlon, the state GOP chair, said Caldwell — who also serves as secretary of state and oversees New Jersey elections — cannot continue in office while the inquiry remains unresolved.

“New Jersey had an Acting Governor under investigation for inappropriate conduct toward women and potential ethics violations, and the administration that promised to be the most transparent in history kept it quiet for months,” Hanlon said in a statement.

“That office cannot function under these circumstances. For the good of the state, and out of respect for the women whose complaints prompted this investigation, Dale Caldwell must resign as Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State immediately.”

The demand follows Friday reports that Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s administration hired the law firm Lowenstein Sandler, led by former state Attorney General Christopher Porrino, to investigate the allegations. Democratic sources outside the administration confirmed the firm’s role to NJ.com.

The New Jersey Globe first reported the probe. Subsequent reporting said it began months ago with an anonymous tip and that Caldwell met with Porrino about two months ago. The inquiry also includes possible ethics issues tied to offers of state jobs, according to the Globe.

Caldwell, 66, has continued a regular public schedule and served as acting governor for three days last week while Sherrill was out of state.

A Sherrill spokesman said Friday that the governor “would take any reports of inappropriate behavior or misconduct extremely seriously” but declined to confirm or deny “potential personnel matters.” Sherrill has not commented publicly. The administration did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Hanlon’s statement.

Hanlon criticized that response, saying elected statewide officials should not be treated as ordinary personnel and must be held to a higher standard of accountability.

Caldwell cannot be removed by the governor. Under the state constitution, a lieutenant governor leaves office only by resignation, death or impeachment by the Legislature. The secretary of state post likewise does not serve at the governor’s pleasure.

Sherrill selected Caldwell as her running mate last year. The pair won election in November and were sworn in in January.

Details of the specific allegations and the investigation’s scope remain limited. Republicans, the minority party in Trenton, have pressed the administration for more information since the reports surfaced.