Former Governor of New Jersey, Longest-serving state legislator
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Key moments and achievements from Richard Codey's life.
Richard was born
· Roseland, New Jersey, U.S.
Political Milestone
In 1973, at just 26 years old, Richard Codey became the youngest person ever elected to the New Jersey General Assembly. He would serve in the Assembly from 1974 to 1981, beginning what would become the longest legislative career in New Jersey history.
Political Milestone
In 1973, at just 26 years old, Richard Codey became the youngest person ever elected to the New Jersey General Assembly. He would serve in the Assembly from 1974 to 1981, beginning what would become the longest legislative career in New Jersey history.
Election Victory
After eight years in the Assembly, Codey was elected to the New Jersey State Senate in 1981. He would serve continuously in the Senate until his retirement in 2023, becoming the longest-serving legislator in New Jersey history.
Election Victory
After eight years in the Assembly, Codey was elected to the New Jersey State Senate in 1981. He would serve continuously in the Senate until his retirement in 2023, becoming the longest-serving legislator in New Jersey history.
Leadership Role
Codey was elected President of the New Jersey Senate in 2002, the highest position in the state's upper chamber. He would serve as Senate President until 2010, using the role to advance mental health legislation and other progressive causes.
Leadership Role
Codey was elected President of the New Jersey Senate in 2002, the highest position in the state's upper chamber. He would serve as Senate President until 2010, using the role to advance mental health legislation and other progressive causes.
Governorship
On November 15, 2004, Codey became the 53rd Acting Governor of New Jersey upon the resignation of Jim McGreevey. He served the remainder of McGreevey's term until January 17, 2006, implementing a statewide indoor smoking ban, creating an inspector general position, and expanding stem-cell research funding with 80 million in grants.
Governorship
On November 15, 2004, Codey became the 53rd Acting Governor of New Jersey upon the resignation of Jim McGreevey. He served the remainder of McGreevey's term until January 17, 2006, implementing a statewide indoor smoking ban, creating an inspector general position, and expanding stem-cell research funding with 80 million in grants.
Legislative Legacy
Throughout his career, Codey was a passionate advocate for mental health issues, inspired by his wife Mary Jo's struggles with postpartum depression. His advocacy led to significant mental health funding and reform in New Jersey, making it a signature issue of his legislative legacy.
Legislative Legacy
Throughout his career, Codey was a passionate advocate for mental health issues, inspired by his wife Mary Jo's struggles with postpartum depression. His advocacy led to significant mental health funding and reform in New Jersey, making it a signature issue of his legislative legacy.
Record Achievement
Codey became the longest-serving legislator in New Jersey history, spanning five decades from his 1973 Assembly election to his 2023 Senate retirement. He served constituents in the 27th Legislative District, representing communities including Roseland, the Oranges, and surrounding areas of Essex County.
Record Achievement
Codey became the longest-serving legislator in New Jersey history, spanning five decades from his 1973 Assembly election to his 2023 Senate retirement. He served constituents in the 27th Legislative District, representing communities including Roseland, the Oranges, and surrounding areas of Essex County.
Richard Codey passed away
