Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell resigned Friday, one day after the governor's office released a state investigation that found he sexually harassed a staffer and repeatedly violated ethics rules.

Both major-party candidates running for the NJ-11 congressional seat that covers Millburn and Livingston had called for Caldwell to step down. U.S. Rep. Analilia Mejia, the Democratic incumbent, and former Randolph Township Mayor Joe Hathaway, the Republican challenger, issued statements demanding his immediate resignation after the governor's office released a 61-page investigation report Thursday evening.

Gov. Mikie Sherrill said Caldwell submitted his resignation Friday afternoon and she accepted it, the New Jersey Monitor reported.

The investigation, conducted by former state Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino and attorney Shontae D. Gray of Lowenstein Sandler LLP, substantiated three violations. Investigators found Caldwell made a sexual comment to a female staffer after his romantic advance toward her friend was rebuffed. He brought personal guests to at least seven ticketed events between February and May without paying, with tickets ranging from $65 to $300.

He also advocated for a promotion for a state employee he was romantically involved with, without disclosing the relationship.

The staffer who received the comment photographed a nearby statue to time-stamp the incident. Investigators reviewed the photo and its metadata. They found Caldwell's denial not credible.

Caldwell, 66, is a Methodist minister and former Centenary University president, according to NJ Spotlight News. He had received at least six ethics and workplace conduct training sessions between January and May and was privately warned about his behavior toward women on multiple occasions before the investigation began, according to Patch.

In a statement reported by ABC7 New York, Caldwell said his resignation should not be read as an admission of wrongdoing or acceptance of the report's findings. His attorney, Thomas Calcagni, called the investigation's findings "specious."

Hathaway went further than calling for Caldwell's departure. He questioned why Sherrill allowed Caldwell to serve as acting governor while she campaigned across the country during the active investigation.

"The findings detailed in this investigation are deeply troubling, and Lt. Gov. Caldwell should resign immediately," Hathaway said in a statement reported by Patch.

Mejia said she stood with the victims who came forward and that they "deserve to be heard, supported and protected." She called Caldwell's conduct "deeply disappointing" and said it fell far short of the standard expected of public officials.

Senate President Nicholas Scutari, a Democrat from Union County, said Caldwell's continued service would hinder the duties of his offices. Senate Republican Leader Anthony Bucco of Morris County called for full public disclosure of all investigatory records.

Sherrill appointed Acting Comptroller Shirley U. Emehelu as acting secretary of state. Under state law, Sherrill has 45 days to appoint a new lieutenant governor. Sherrill noted the Nov. 3 midterm elections are approaching.

Caldwell had served as both lieutenant governor and secretary of state since taking office in January alongside Sherrill.

Mejia and Hathaway face each other again Nov. 3 for a full term representing New Jersey's 11th Congressional District, which includes Millburn, Livingston and other municipalities in Essex, Morris and Passaic counties. Independent candidate Alan Bond of Montclair is also on the ballot.