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New Jersey's longest serving legislator retires after 50 years
By
Nancy Solomon
Published Aug 14, 2023
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By
Nancy Solomon
Published Aug 14, 2023
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New Jersey State Sen. Richard Codey announced Monday he will retire at the end of his current term after 50 years in office. He’s the longest serving legislator in state history and also filled in as governor after the resignation of Jim McGreevey in 2004.
Codey, 76, who runs a funeral home in Boonton, said he is not leaving because of health reasons, even though it was recently reported he has missed a few legislative voting sessions and did not attend the state funeral of Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver on Saturday.
Cody is known for his blunt style and sense of humor.
“Now, listen, before you get any ideas, no, I am not dying … but if you or someone you know is, please call Codey Funeral Home in Caldwell or Codey & Mackey in Boonton. (What, you thought I was gonna stop telling jokes on this of all days?)”, Codey posted on his Facebook page.
Codey won a rare contested primary in June after his legislative district was combined with the district of his Democratic ally in Essex County, State Sen. Nia Gill, D-Montclair.
Now it will be up to the Essex County Democratic Committee to pick who will run in November for the seat. The committee is made up of elected officials and grassroots district leaders from across the county, but it does not hold conventions or open votes. Instead, the decision will be made by the committee’s leadership.
"Governor Codey is the quintessential New Jersey public servant. He has been a fighter for the people of our state for a half century – as a staunch champion for individuals with mental illness, as a leader who made our communities and schools safer, and as a stable, steady hand when the State needed it," Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said in a statement on Monday. "Through a half century of service, he always looked out for the people who put him in office and he always stayed true to himself – including his unique sense of humor. Public service is about creating a better future for everyone around you. Indeed, at every opportunity, he did just that."
Assemblyman John McKeon, D-Madison, has been Codey’s running mate in their shared district for 22 years and is reported to be the frontrunner for the appointment.
“Governor Codey's contributions, integrity, and profound commitment to the betterment of New Jersey stand as a beacon of inspiration for all future public servants,” McKeon said in a press release on Monday. “His unwavering dedication to our great state, spanning half a century, is a testament to his passion. His impactful legislative achievements have significantly improved the lives of countless New Jerseyans and have left an indelible mark on the fabric of New Jersey politics.”
Codey was a champion for people with mental illness. His wife was public about her struggle with postpartum depression long before it was a safe topic to publicly discuss.
“From mental health and addiction services to bans on indoor smoking and championing our toughest-in-the-nation gun laws, I've fought for who and what I believe in, even when it wasn't easy,” Codey said in his Facebook announcement. “I've made lifelong friends and lifelong enemies -- and I’m proud of both lists!”
Codey becomes the 29th member of the legislature this year to announce retirement, or leave the General Assembly to run for the State Senate. Yet despite the huge turnover, almost a third of all seats, very few races were contested during the primary and few will be contested in November.
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