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 79.

Codey passed away at his Roseland home 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 then-Gov. James McGreevey abruptly stepped down following his public admission of an extramarital affair with a male staffer he’d appointed as homeland security adviser. (RELATED: Democrats Hold New Jersey Governorship)

As Senate president at the time, Codey assumed the governor’s role under New Jersey’s succession rules, the outlet reported. He held both positions simultaneously for 14 months.

During 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 was not happy.”

Governor Codey was a dedicated, selfless public servant that committed his life to the people of New Jersey. He lived with compassion and strength, striving every day to improve the lives of New Jerseyans. My heart is with his family today, may we all carry forward his memory.

— Sen. Cory Booker (@SenBooker) January 11, 2026

His family described him as someone who built 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-setting 50 years in the Legislature,” the family statement read. “He made friends as easily with Presidents as he did with strangers in all-night diners.”

Codey served as New Jersey’s longest-tenured lawmaker, spending five decades in Trenton after winning his first Assembly seat in 1973, NJ1015 reported. He moved to the state Senate in 1981 and retired in 2023.