Gov. Mikie Sherrill is calling for Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell to resign following the conclusion of an independent investigation regarding serious allegations.

The governor says the investigation found that Caldwell “engaged in serious, repeated violations of state policy and failed to uphold the responsibilities of his office.” This includes making romantic advances toward a female staffer’s friend.

The report states Caldwell also tried to get a promotion for a state employee he had a romantic relationship with.

Sherrill says he has until Friday to step down.

“I hold everyone in my Administration to the highest ethical standard. We all have a duty to follow our state ethics and harassment policy and our Code of Conduct. Anyone who violates these will be held accountable,” Sherrill wrote in a statement.

Republican state Sen. Declan O’Scanlon spoke to News 12 about the investigation. He says this isn’t about politics.

"It is inappropriate and he needs to resign. Whatever issues with the Sherrill administration, he needs to resign,” O’Scanlon said. “He can't dig his heels in now...he needs to get out."

Caldwell’s attorneys released a statement tonight following the release of the report. They state that they refute the findings and say that the lieutenant governor was not given the opportunity to address each allegation.

State Republicans are now calling for Sherrill to hold a press conference on Friday to address the investigation.

NJ Senate Republican leader calls on Sherrill to ask Caldwell to resign immediately