Richard Codey, former New Jersey governor who succeeded Jim McGreevey, dies at 79

WEST ORANGE, NEW JERSEY: Former New Jersey Governor Richard Codey has died at the age of 79 following a sudden but brief illness, his family confirmed on Sunday, January 11.

Codey, a Democrat, served two short stints as acting governor and spent 50 years in the state Legislature, making him the longest-serving lawmaker in New Jersey history.

He assumed the governor’s office most notably in 2004 after the resignation of Governor Jim McGreevey. Tributes poured in from state and local leaders remembering his decades of public service.

Richard Codey twice assumed the Governor's office

Codey became acting governor in November 2004 after then-Governor Jim McGreevey resigned amid a widely publicized intimate scandal.

McGreevey announced in a televised address that he was gay and had engaged in an affair with former campaign aide Golan Cipel, prompting his decision to step down.

As president of the New Jersey Senate at the time, Codey assumed the role and led the state for just over a year, until January 2006, when Jon Corzine was elected governor.

During his tenure, Codey focused on stabilizing state government following the political turmoil surrounding McGreevey’s departure.

It was not the first time Codey had served as acting governor.

In 2001, he briefly assumed the role after Governor Christine Todd Whitman resigned to become administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency under President George W Bush.

Codey began his legislative career in 1974 and served continuously until his retirement in January 2024.

He represented multiple legislative districts over the years and held several leadership roles, including Senate president. His five decades in Trenton made him the longest-serving legislator in New Jersey history.

Although he defeated Senator Nia Gill in a Democratic primary in 2023, Codey later announced that he would not seek re-election.

At the time, he denied health concerns, telling the New Jersey Monitor, “I’m not sick. I’m not dying or any of that bulls–t,” adding that he was “lucky and grateful” to be healthy.

Family and officials remember longtime public servant 

In a statement released on Sunday, Codey’s family confirmed his death and reflected on his legacy.

“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,” the statement read.

They described him as a leader who lived “with humility, compassion and a deep sense of responsibility to others,” adding that 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.”

Attorney General Matthew J Platkin also paid tribute to Codey, writing, “Governor Codey was one of a kind. He was old school in the best sense. He understood in his core what mattered to everyday people and he was never afraid to stand up on their behalf."

He added, "No one worked harder for the residents of this state and you always knew where he stood. I learned a lot from him and he certainly made me laugh. I will miss him."