New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has appointed Tahesha Way as the second-in-command of the Garden State. Way, who is succeeding the late Sheila Oliver, is the second Black woman to serve as lieutenant governor. She will be the third ever lieutenant governor of New Jersey. The swearing-in ceremony took place on Friday.
"I want to thank one more person, who like my parents is her with in spirit and that is our late Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver. To me, Sheila was more than just a trusted colleague. She was a cherished friend, mentor and a role model to the countless amount of Black women and women who have chosen a career in public service. And now as Lieutenant Governor I will have the solemn honor of building upon her towering legacy. I will dedicate every day to fight for the forgotten families of our state. I will do everything to ensure no parent will have to suffer the indignity of choosing between putting food on the table or keep the roof over their child's head. I will protect the fundamental freedoms so every resident of our state can make their own healthcare decisions."
Way has served as Governor Murphy’s secretary of state since 2018. Prior to that, she was an administrative law judge for the state and a Passaic County Freeholder.
In her current position on Governor Murphy’s cabinet, Way oversees elections in the state. She led the 2020 census count for New Jersey. She is the first Black person and first secretary from New Jersey to lead the National Association of Secretaries of State as president. During her initial remarks, she stressed she will remain Secretary of State.
Governor Murphy told those gathered that Way was the perfect choice.
"One of the most important quality as lieutenant governor is not only the ability to lead but having an ample track record as a leader. This is just one of Tahesha's many strengths."
The appointment will be one of the many topics discussed on the next edition of WBGO's call-in show Ask Governor Murphy, streaming at WBGO.org on September 13 at 7pm.
