Former New Jersey Governor Who Took Over For Scandal-Plagued Predecessor Dies
Richard Codey, the New Jersey Democrat who unexpectedly became governor after his predecessor resigned in disgrace, died Sunday at age 79.
Codey died at his home in Roseland after a brief illness, his family announced on social media, according to NJ.com. He became the state’s 53rd governor in November 2004, after serving as then-Gov. James McGreevey abruptly resigned after publicly admitting to having an extramarital affair with a male employee he had appointed as a Homeland Security adviser. (RELATED: Democrats hold New Jersey governorship)
As Senate president at the time, Codey assumed the role of governor under New Jersey’s rules of succession, the outlet reported. He held both positions simultaneously for 14 months.
In an interview with the Eagleton Institute of Politics, Codey later recalled the moment he learned of McGreevey’s impending announcement. “It’s either going to be good or it’s going to be bad,” Codey said. “And I wasn’t happy.”
Governor Codey was a dedicated and selfless public servant who dedicated his life to the people of New Jersey. He lived with compassion and strength, striving every day to improve the lives of the people of New Jersey. My heart goes out to his family today, may we all carry on his memory.
– Senator Cory Booker (@SenBooker) January 11, 2026
His family described him as someone who formed relationships easily, the New York Post reported.
“He spoke the truth when others wouldn’t and fought tirelessly for the people of New Jersey during his record 50 years in the Legislature,” the family’s statement said. “He made friends as easily with presidents as he did with strangers at all-night dinners.”
Codey was New Jersey’s longest-serving lawmaker, spending five decades in Trenton after winning his first Assembly seat in 1973, NJ1015 reported. He joined the State Senate in 1981 and retired in 2023.
