Sheila Oliver, the first Black woman to hold the office of Assembly speaker in New Jersey, reportedly passed away on Tuesday. She was 71 years old.
In addition to filling in for Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy when he was away from the state, Oliver oversaw the Department of Community Affairs, which organizes state funding to towns and localities and is in charge of code enforcement.
Tammy and I, and our children, are incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of our dear friend, colleague, and partner in government, @LtGovOliver.
We ask that you all keep the Oliver family and all those who loved her in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/ty6drz7DgY— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) August 1, 2023
The Lt. Governor’s cause of death has so far not been revealed.
This story is developing…
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