TRENTON – Richard J. Codey, a blunt-speaking Democrat whose political career in Trenton spanned half a century and who rose unexpectedly to the governor’s office during one of the state’s most turbulent moments, has died after a brief illness. He was 79.
Codey, a longtime Essex County lawmaker, became acting governor in 2004 following the abrupt resignation of then-Gov. James McGreevey, who stepped down after publicly acknowledging a personal scandal. Under New Jersey’s succession rules at the time, Codey assumed the state’s top post while continuing to serve as Senate president.
He held the governorship for about 14 months, earning high approval ratings for his steady, pragmatic leadership, but did not run for the office. In the years that followed, New Jersey amended its constitution to create the elected position of lieutenant governor to handle future successions.
Born in 1946, and raised in Orange, Codey earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Before and alongside his political career, he worked as a licensed funeral director and insurance broker and later headed an insurance company.
Codey entered the Legislature in 1974, serving in the General Assembly until 1981 before winning election to the state Senate in 1982. He remained a senator until his retirement in 2023, giving him a combined 50-year tenure in the Legislature — the longest in state history. He became Senate president in 2002.
In addition to his 2004–06 term as acting governor, Codey briefly shared the role in January 2002 during a rare transition period between administrations, splitting executive authority with Senate co-president John Bennett after the expiration of Senate President Donald T. DiFrancesco’s term and before McGreevey was sworn in.
Among Codey’s most lasting achievements was his advocacy for mental health reform. He once went undercover in a state psychiatric hospital as a legislator, exposing abuse and neglect that led to sweeping changes in oversight and care. As governor, he continued to press for expanded mental health services and statewide reforms.
Codey was widely known for his plainspoken style, sharp humor and deep knowledge of state government.
Tributes poured in following news of his death. U.S. Sen. Cory Booker called Codey “a dedicated, selfless public servant” who devoted his life to improving New Jersey.
“He lived with compassion and strength, striving every day to improve the lives of New Jerseyans,” Booker said.
State Sen. Jon Bramnick, a Republican, told Politico that Codey embodied the state itself, recalling him as “a guy that was New Jersey” with a devilish streak who often defied convention.
“I remember his famous line was, ‘We’re not bankrupt, but we’re close,’” Bramnick said in the interview. “What other governor says that?”
Codey is survived by his wife, Mary Jo, and their two sons.
