Sheila Oliver, Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey, passes away at 71

The family of New Jersey Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver shared the sad news of her passing on Tuesday. They expressed deep sorrow and described her as a distinguished public servant and a cherished family member. The family also requested privacy during this difficult time as they mourn their beloved Sheila.

In a statement, Sheila Oliver’s family said, “It is with incredible sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of the Honorable Sheila Y. Oliver, Lieutenant Governor of the State of New Jersey. She was not only a distinguished public servant but also our cherished daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and hero. As we come to terms with this profound loss, we kindly request that you respect the privacy of the Oliver family during this difficult time as they grieve their beloved Sheila”.




The cause of death has not been disclosed yet. Prior to her passing, she was receiving medical care and unable to serve as acting governor while Gov. Phil Murphy was on vacation. As of Monday morning, New Jersey State Senate President Nicholas Scutari took on the duties of acting governor.

Having served as New Jersey's lieutenant governor since January 2018, Sheila Oliver made history as the first woman of color to hold a statewide elected office in the state. Her official government biography also highlights her achievement as the first Black woman to serve as speaker of the state general assembly.

In response to the news of her passing, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and his family expressed deep sadness and distress. In a statement, Governor Murphy called her a dear friend, colleague, and partner in government. He praised her trailblazing achievements as the first Black woman to serve as Speaker of the General Assembly and her invaluable role as his running mate in leading the State of New Jersey. Governor Murphy also highlighted her genuine and kind personality, emphasizing that her friendship and partnership will be irreplaceable.



In 2010, Sheila Oliver achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first African American woman to serve as the speaker of the New Jersey Assembly. Apart from her role as lieutenant governor since 2018, she held the position of overseeing code enforcement in the state as the head of the Department of Community Affairs. Due to her hospitalization, New Jersey's state Senate President, Nicholas Scutari, a fellow Democrat, has been serving as her acting replacement, as required by the constitution.

FAQs:

Q1:Who is Joe Biden?
Joe Biden is an American politician who served as the 46th President of the United States. He was born on November 20, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Before becoming president, Biden had a long political career, including serving as a U.S. Senator from Delaware for several terms and as the Vice President of the United States under President Barack Obama from 2009 to 2017.

Q2:Who is Sheila Oliver?
In 2010, Sheila Oliver achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first African American woman to serve as the speaker of the New Jersey Assembly. Apart from her role as lieutenant governor since 2018, she held the position of overseeing code enforcement in the state as the head of the Department of Community Affairs.