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Sheila Oliver, the Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey, passed away, according to her family.
Sheila Oliver, the Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey, passed away at the age of 71. She was acting governor while Democrat Phil Murphy was out of the country.
Oliver, who made history as the first Black woman to lead the State Assembly, passed away on Tuesday after being sent to the hospital on Monday for an unidentified medical condition.
"It is with incredible sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of the Honorable Sheila Y. Oliver, Lieutenant Governor of the State of New Jersey. She was not only a distinguished public servant but also our cherished daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and hero. As we come to terms with this profound loss, we kindly request that you respect the privacy of the Oliver family during this difficult time as they grieve their beloved Sheila. Sheila Y. Oliver leaves behind a legacy of dedication, service, and inspiration. We will remember her commitment to the people of New Jersey and her tireless efforts to uplift the community. Further information and details regarding memorial arrangements will be provided in due course. Until then, we appreciate your understanding and support. May her memory be a source of comfort and strength to all who knew her."
Democrat Oliver had been the second Lieutenant Governor of the State of New Jersey since 2018. She also oversaw code enforcement and coordinated state aid to towns and communities as the director of the Department of Community Affairs.
She was the first African-American woman to become NJ State's Assembly Speaker in 2010. She had been a member of the Assembly since 2004 and had been on the board of elected freeholders for Essex County from 1996 to 1999.
Who will quickly succeed her was unknown. In the event that the governor and lieutenant governor are unavailable or unable to serve, the state constitution mandates that the state Senate President take over as Acting Governor.
