The mystery of the death of New Jersey Governor Sheila Oliver, a pioneering political leader
The death of New Jersey Governor Sheila Oliver, a pioneering political leader, is a mystery that has shocked and saddened many people. Oliver, who was the first Black woman to serve as lieutenant governor and the first woman of color elected to statewide office in New Jersey, died on August 1, 2023, at the age of 7112. She was hospitalized on Monday for an undisclosed medical condition while she was acting as governor in the absence of Gov. Phil Murphy, who was on vacation in Italy13. The cause of her death has not been revealed by her family or the authorities14.
Oliver had a long and distinguished career in public service, starting as a local school board member and rising to become the speaker of the state assembly, the second Black woman in the nation to lead a state legislative chamber12. She was selected by Murphy as his running mate in 2017 and won the election with him in 2018. As lieutenant governor, she also oversaw the Department of Community Affairs, which coordinates state aid to towns and cities and supervises code enforcement1. She signed several bills into law as acting governor, including one that reformed the juvenile justice system in four cities1.
Oliver was praised by Murphy and other leaders as a trailblazer, a friend and a hero who dedicated her life to serving the people of New Jersey and uplifting the community12. Her death leaves a void in the state’s political landscape and a legacy of inspiration for future generations.
The cause of death was not disclosed, but Oliver had long-term health issues that she kept private, and in recent months appeared at only a few public events. On Monday, the governor’s office announced that Oliver had been hospitalized and “was unable to fulfill the duties of the Lieutenant Governor” - Governor Phil Murphy was on vacation in Italy - leaving Senate President Nick Scutari as acting governor.
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