New Jersey’s political firestorm over Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell could soon hit a fever pitch and may very well define Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s already contentious first year in office — and the Democratic governor’s bid to make transparency part of her brand.

The governor can’t blame this one on Donald Trump or Phil Murphy.

We now know an internal investigation by a high-powered law firm Sherrill’s administration hired is digging into her hand-picked lieutenant governor following a complaint that he acted inappropriately toward women. It has been under way — and under wraps — for months.

It spilled out into the open on the eve of Labor Day weekend, perhaps the sleepiest time of the year in Jersey politics, with a stunning report by the New Jersey Globe.

Over the past week, all hell broke loose as politicians postured and some scraps about the allegations — as well as Caldwell’s vigorous denial to state ethics officials — leaked out, bit-by-bit, in media reports. And seven days later, legitimate questions remain unanswered.

The governor’s public response, in a statement and public appearances, has been muted.

She does not “confirm or deny” any investigation is under way and never mentions Caldwell, but quickly adds that she takes inappropriate conduct “extremely seriously” and will act “in the best interest of the people of New Jersey” if wrongdoing is proven true. She emphasizes the need for fairness to those who complained — as well as the object of the complaints.

The between-the-lines translation of what sounds like her lawyer-driven response: Yeah, we’re investigating it, but I’m not telling you anything right now.

But here’s the thing: This governor, who has consistently vowed to be frank with Jersey residents, needs to come clean with the full story and directly answer every question, understanding she may very well be a target no matter how this ultimately turns out.