Trenton, NJ – In a heartfelt and humorous statement, former New Jersey Governor Richard Codey announced today that he will retire from the State Legislature at the end of this year. His retirement marks a 50-year career that has seen him serve as Assemblyman, Senator, and the state’s 53rd Governor.
“After a half-century in the Legislature, it’s time for me to say goodbye,” Codey stated, adding with a jesting tone, “Now, listen, before you get any ideas, no, I am not dying … but if you or someone you know is, please call Codey Funeral Home in Caldwell or Codey & Mackey in Boonton.”
Codey, who won his first race in November 1973, has been a fixture in New Jersey politics for decades. He became Governor in November 2004 and served in that capacity until January 2006. During his tenure, he focused on various key issues, including mental health and addiction services, indoor smoking bans, and some of the toughest gun laws in the nation.
He’s also known for his accessible and compassionate nature, often engaging with constituents late at night in diners, listening to their concerns over a piece of lemon meringue pie. “You can’t believe the connections and friendships I forged over lemon meringue pie. Those connections are why I will stay deeply engaged in the community,” Codey reminisced.
He also expressed gratitude to his family, stating, “I’m grateful for the love, support, and patience of my wife, Mary Jo, and my sons, Kevin and Christopher.”
As the longest-serving legislator in New Jersey history, Codey’s influence and service have left an indelible mark on the state. His work as an advocate for those who often felt voiceless made him a beloved figure across political lines.
However, his retirement doesn’t mean a complete withdrawal from work. He’ll continue running his businesses, an insurance agency, and those funeral homes, but he feels that it’s time for something different.
“Fifty years is a long time. I have seen a lot of changes in the Legislature and the governor’s office. But one thing that hasn’t changed is the importance of public service. Public service is about making a difference in the lives of people. It’s about working together to create a better future for everyone,” Codey reflected.
The people of New Jersey will undoubtedly miss the presence of a man who, for five decades, dedicated himself to service, compassion, and a bit of humor. But as he steps away, Codey has left an inspiring legacy for future generations to follow, built on dedication, humanity, and the belief that public service is about making a tangible difference in the lives of ordinary people.
“God Bless you all,” Codey concluded, in a fitting farewell to the people who entrusted him to represent them for so many years.
Current Governor Phil Murphy wished Codey well and thanked him for his service to New Jersey.
“It is impossible to imagine what New Jersey would look like today without the visionary, dedicated, and principled leadership of Governor Dick Codey. For nearly 50 years, Gov. Codey has served our state—as a member of the Assembly, the Senate, and as New Jersey’s 53rd Governor—with integrity and kindness. And he has always—always—stood up for the children and families who call the Garden State home. Look no further than Gov. Codey’s long record of accomplishments when it comes to strengthening public health—including increasing funding for mental health care, championing stem cell research, and establishing the State’s Charity Care Program,” Murphy said today. “Outside of the legislature, Gov. Codey has also been a role model for generations of New Jerseyans—as a coach for youth basketball teams, as a mentor for first-generation college students, and as a funeral director—a position in which his courtesy and compassion has lifted the spirits of seemingly countless families navigating grief and loss. I will deeply miss seeing Gov. Codey in the State House, but above all, I am grateful for his many decades of service. And I will always remember how he took a chance on me back during the cold, dark and lonely days of my first run for office.”