New Jersey Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, the first black woman to serve as speaker of the state Assembly, died Tuesday after being hospitalized with an undisclosed illness.
Oliver, 71, was serving as acting governor this week while Gov. Phil Murphy was vacationing in Italy.
She was admitted to Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston on Monday, Murphy’s office announced.
Senate President Nicholas Scutari (D-Union) acted in her place, as per the state constitution.
“I knew then that her decades of public service made her the ideal partner for me to lead the state of New Jersey,” Murphy said in a statement. “It was the best decision I ever made.
“She brought a unique and invaluable perspective to our public policy discourse and served as an inspiration to millions of women and girls everywhere,” he said. “Beyond all of that, she was an incredibly genuine and kind person whose friendship and partnership will be irreplaceable.”
Murphy is scheduled to return to the state on Aug. 13.
Oliver’s family said in an emotional statement, “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.”
Oliver, a Democrat from Essex County, rose to the post of Assembly speaker in 2010 before losing the seat to Vincent Pietro in 2013, Fox16 reported.
While serving as acting governor in Murphy’s absence, she signed a number of bills that included a pilot program to revamp the state’s juvenile justice system in four Garden State cities, the outlet reported.
Oliver became lieutenant governor in 2018 and also served as the head of the state Department of Community Affairs.
Before her election to the state Assembly, she served on the Essex County Board of Freeholders from 1996 until 1999.
“Sheila Oliver was a trailblazer,” New York City Mayor Eric Adams tweeted.
“She knocked down barriers for women of color in government, climbing the ranks to the highest levels,” the mayor wrote. “On behalf of New York City, I offer our condolences to her friends, family, and the people of New Jersey who she so dutifully served.”
Demonrat of any color is still a demonrat. It’s appropriate when they die from the policies they put on us!!!
I can name this tune in 2 notes – clot-shot.
another democrat and believer in the jab–bye bye. i am sure she did no good for the state of NJ as no democrat does anything good. (except lie)
Really, who cares if she’s dead? New Jersey is a sanctuary state and she and her friend Eric Adams are responsible for all the chaos and destruction caused by illegal immigration. Remember when dumdum Adams bragged about New York being so welcoming to illegals? Take a look:
https://www.nbcnews.com/video/nyc-mayor-eric-adams-welcomes-asylum-seekers-bused-from-texas-145662534002
They pushed the entire Covid hoax, mandated the jab, forced lockdowns, social distancing and masks, KNOWING it was all a LIE, so now let them die!