Former NJ Gov. Richard Codey, the longest-serving legislator in state history who had two brief stints leading the state, has died aged 79 after a brief battle with an unspecified illness.
“Our family has lost a beloved husband, father, and grandfather — and New Jersey lost a remarkable public servant who touched the lives of all who knew him,” a statement put out by his family Sunday read in part.
The Democrat served 14 months as governor following the high-profile resignation of James McGreevey in 2004, following his sex and corruption scandal.
Codey also had a brief tenure as acting governor after Gov. Christine Todd Whitman resigned in 2001.
Codey spent 50 years in Trenton, representing the Garden State’s 26th District in the state assembly between 1974-1982, and the 27th from 1982 until he announced his retirement in 2023.
He announced he wouldn’t seek re-election just two months after he defeated Sen. Nia Gill in a primary contest for his long-held seat, though he said at the time it was not for health reasons.
“I’m not sick. I’m not dying or any of that bulls–t,” Codey told the New Jersey Monitor following his announcement. Adding that he was “lucky and grateful” to have his health.
“He lived his life with humility, compassion and a deep sense of responsibility to others,” the family statement continued.
“He spoke the truth when others wouldn’t and fought tirelessly for the people of New Jersey during his record-setting 50 years in the Legislature. He made friends as easily with Presidents as he did with strangers in all-night diners.”
