Richard Codey, former governor of New Jersey, dies at 79

Former Gov. Richard J. Codey, who spent fifty years in the New Jersey Legislature – the longest tenure in New Jersey history — and spent fourteen months as the governor of New Jersey, died this morning after an illness. He was 79.

Codey was a liberal Democrat who spent his career as a champion for those in need, especially as an advocate for people with mental health issues. He once went undercover at a state psychiatric hospital and found systemic patient abuse, and later, with the help of a makeup artist, experienced life as a homeless man.

In 2023, abruptly announced his retirement from the Senate in August 2023 after defeating another incumbent in a redistricting-related primary.

“Why? Because it’s time, “said Codey. “Time to step aside and watch the next generation do their thing.”



https://newjerseyglobe.com/in-memoriam/richard-codey-former-governor-of-new-jersey-dies-at-79/