The New Jersey political world has certainly changed over the past two weeks with the death of Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver, and now the surprising news that New Jersey State Senator Richard Codey will retire at the end of his current term. With 50 years in office, Dick Codey is the longest serving legislator in state history. He also filled in as governor after the resignation of Jim McGreevey in 2004.
The 76-year old Codey made his retirement announcement on social media and his website Monday and said he is not leaving because of health reasons. He says it’s a tough and emotional day for him but it's time to say goodbye.
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 Senator and Montclair Democrat Nia Gill.
Now it will be up to the Essex County Democratic Committee to pick who will run in November for the seat.
Both U.S. New Jersey Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker released statements following Codey’s retirement announcement, praising the former Governor for his five decades of service to the Garden State.
