TRENTON, NJ – New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy lost a friend and political ally when Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver passed away at the age of 71 earlier this month.
Now, the governor has until September 15th to announce a successor. Murphy has a lot of choices in the New Jersey Senate, Assembly, and among local Democrat county commissioners and even mayors, but sources today reported the governor has strict criteria for Oliver’s replacement.
Murphy is reportedly seeking a woman of color from within his own close political circle.
The Governor, however, isn’t naming names. Secretary of State Tahesha Way is among the top contenders for the position.
Tahesha Way serves as New Jersey’s 34th Secretary of State, having been nominated by Governor Phil Murphy and sworn in on February 26, 2018. In her role, Way oversees the state Division of Elections, ensuring fair access to voting and safeguarding democratic processes. Her responsibilities extend to leading New Jersey’s Complete Count Commission for the 2020 US Census and managing state government offices that support the arts, culture, history, and business communities in New Jersey.
Way’s leadership reached a national level when she served as the President of the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) from 2022 to 2023, becoming the first Black person and the first Secretary from New Jersey to hold this position. Following her term, she continues to serve on the NASS Executive Board as Immediate Past President and represents her peers on the Council of State Governments and the U.S. Election Assistance Commission Board of Advisors.