New Jersey is mourning the loss of a true political giant. Richard “Dick” Codey, the state’s former governor and its longest-serving lawmaker in history, passed away on Sunday morning at the age of 79. His family confirmed the news, stating he died peacefully at his home following a brief illness.
For a half-century, Codey was a towering, yet immensely down-to-earth, presence in Trenton. He dedicated 50 continuous years to public service, a record tenure that saw him move from the State Assembly in 1974 to the Senate in 1982, eventually becoming Senate President. But to many New Jerseyans, he was best known as the “accidental” governor who stepped up to lead the state through one of its most turbulent political periods.
Codey first served briefly as acting governor in 2002. His most consequential term came when he assumed the office in November 2004 following the resignation of then-Governor Jim McGreevey. He served for 14 months, until January 2006, guiding the Garden State during a time marked by political upheaval.
Beyond his executive role, his legacy is defined by his deep compassion for the most vulnerable residents. Codey was a staunch, lifelong advocate for mental health care and awareness. His commitment to this cause was personal and profound: he famously went undercover at a state psychiatric hospital to expose systemic patient abuse, highlighting the often-ignored needs of those with mental illness.
He was a liberal Democrat who built a reputation as a pragmatic lawmaker, known for his ability to work across the aisle. His legislative victories include championing state funding for stem cell research and successfully advancing the statewide ban on indoor smoking, a measure that fundamentally changed public life in New Jersey.
Tributes poured in from leaders on both sides of the political aisle, all echoing the sentiment that the state had lost a legend. Governor Phil Murphy praised Codey, saying he “embodied our proud New Jersey values” and had built a safer, healthier future for all residents. Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz reflected on his impact, calling him a “passionate basketball coach” and noting his work “transformed how our state supports individuals and families affected by mental illness.”
U.S. Senator Andy Kim and others emphasized the depth of his connection to everyday people. Codey had an easy, feisty, regular-guy persona, someone who could “make friends as easily with Presidents as he did with strangers in all-night diners,” according to his family’s statement. That down-to-earth style is what made him consistently popular with voters, often drawing strong praise in public polls, and is why his passing leaves a significant void in the state’s political landscape.
Codey retired from the Senate in 2024, after five decades of tireless service, saying it was “time to step aside and watch the next generation do their thing.” While his political career is over, his mark on the state, from its public health laws to its mental health services, will continue to shape New Jersey life for generations to come.