Friend,

From August 4th to September 4th, American and New Jersey flags throughout our great state were flown at half staff in honor of our late Lieutenant Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, my partner in government and one of the finest public servants New Jersey has ever known.

With Sheila gone, it is now our turn to keep her legacy alive by continuing to work together, as one New Jersey family, to build a stronger and fairer state. And, to be a champion—like Sheila was—for the voiceless, for the underserved, and for the communities that have historically been left behind.

So today I am proud to announce that I have selected a proven public servant with a superb record of accomplishments to join me in finishing the work that Sheila and I started. It is my incredible honor to introduce New Jersey’s next Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State Tahesha Way!

As Secretary of State, Tahesha has been a vital member of my administration since day one. But long before she joined our team, Tahesha had already dedicated every ounce of herself to serving our state’s families. She has demonstrated that she can handle the single most important responsibility of any Lieutenant Governor, and that is being ready to step in and serve as Governor if needed.

Tahesha is brilliant, battle-tested, and represents the best of New Jersey. Like Lieutenant Governor Oliver, she has served at nearly every level of government. From the Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders, to the New Jersey Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council, and even in our state’s judicial branch as an Administrative Law Judge.

During her time as Secretary of State, Tahesha has set a new, high standard for defending democracy both here in New Jersey and across the nation. As President of the National Association of Secretaries of State, she has inspired election officials across the country to expand access to the ballot box and ensure that every eligible citizen can participate in our democratic process.

So once again, I am honored to re-introduce Tahesha Way to the people of New Jersey. And I cannot wait for everyone to get to know her, her husband Charles, and their children Fallon, Farrah, Faythe, and Fiona.

I’m certain that she will build upon Lieutenant Governor Oliver’s legacy and help us continue to build a stronger and fairer New Jersey.
 

Governor Phil Murphy