Former New Jersey Acting Governor Richard “Dick” Codey Dies at 79

Richard “Dick” Codey, New Jersey’s longest-serving legislator and former acting governor, died Sunday at his home surrounded by family after a brief illness. He was 79.

“Our family has lost a beloved husband, father and grandfather — and New Jersey lost a remarkable public servant who touched the lives of all who knew him,” Codey’s family announced in a statement posted to his official Facebook page. His wife, Mary Jo Codey, confirmed his passing to The Associated Press.

Known for his unpretentious demeanor and straightforward approach to politics, Codey built a five-decade career in New Jersey politics characterized by pragmatism and a willingness to tackle sensitive issues. Throughout his tenure, he emerged as one of the state’s most influential political figures, despite never being elected governor in his own right.

Codey first entered public service in 1974 as a state assemblyman before winning election to the state Senate in 1982. His legislative career spanned nearly half a century, establishing him as the longest-serving lawmaker in New Jersey history. He served as Senate president from 2002 to 2010, a position that would twice elevate him to the governor’s office.

Under New Jersey law at that time, the Senate president would assume gubernatorial duties when a vacancy occurred. Codey first briefly served as acting governor in 2002 following Christine Todd Whitman’s resignation to join President George W. Bush’s administration. His more substantial tenure came in 2004 when he took office for 14 months after Governor Jim McGreevey’s resignation amid a scandal.

Codey would serve once more as acting governor in April 2007 when then-Governor Jon Corzine was severely injured in a car accident. He held the position for nearly a month while Corzine recovered.

Despite high approval ratings as acting governor, Codey opted not to seek the Democratic nomination for governor in 2005 when party leadership backed wealthy Wall Street executive Jon Corzine, who went on to win the election.

Beyond his political accomplishments, Codey was perhaps best known for his passionate advocacy for mental health awareness and care. He and his wife Mary Jo spoke candidly about her struggles with postpartum depression, helping to destigmatize mental health issues at a time when such discussions were still uncommon among public figures.

“He was willing to support me speaking out about postpartum depression, even if it cost him elected office,” Mary Jo Codey told the Associated Press. “He was a really, really good guy. He said, ‘If you want to do it, I don’t care if I get elected again.'”

This advocacy occasionally led to controversy. In early 2005, Codey confronted a radio host who had made disparaging comments about his wife’s mental health struggles. The confrontation became a brief media story, with differing accounts of what exactly was said during the heated exchange.

As governor, Codey championed legislation to ban indoor smoking in public places and advocated for increased funding for stem cell research, positioning New Jersey as a leader in scientific innovation.

The son of a northern New Jersey funeral home owner, Codey maintained his connection to everyday citizens throughout his political career. After leaving the governor’s office, he returned to the Senate and published a memoir detailing his decades of public service alongside stories about his personal and family life.

“He lived his life with humility, compassion and a deep sense of responsibility to others,” his family wrote. “He made friends as easily with Presidents as he did with strangers in all-night diners.”

Codey’s passing marks the end of an era in New Jersey politics. His legacy as a champion for mental health awareness, public health initiatives, and good governance will continue to influence the state’s political landscape for years to come. He is survived by his wife Mary Jo and their family.