Trenton, NJ – Governor Phil Murphy expressed his condolences following the death of former Congressman and state legislator Dick Zimmer, praising him as a dedicated public servant whose career was defined by integrity, fiscal discipline, and a commitment to transparency in government.
In a statement, Murphy said he and First Lady Tammy Murphy were “saddened by the passing” of Zimmer, describing him as a “committed public servant who dedicated his career to fiscal responsibility, child safety, and government transparency.”
Zimmer, who served in both the New Jersey Legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives, was widely regarded for his bipartisan approach and advocacy for ethical governance. As a state lawmaker, he championed campaign finance reform, government consolidation, and stronger financial disclosure rules for elected officials.
“Dick Zimmer was an American Republican Party politician from New Jersey, who served in both houses of the New Jersey Legislature and in the United States House of Representatives. He was the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate from New Jersey in 1996 and 2008. Zimmer was known for his sponsorship of Megan’s Law, a landmark criminal justice reform bill passed in response to the 1994 murder of Megan Kanka. He was known for his fiscal conservatism, opposing spending and taxes which he viewed as excessive and supporting welfare reform,” according to Wikipedia.
During his time in Congress, Zimmer played a key role in the passage of Megan’s Law, landmark bipartisan legislation designed to protect children from sex offenders through public notification and tracking systems.
“Congressman Zimmer will be remembered for his integrity, bipartisanship, and commitment to fighting government waste,” Murphy said. “Our prayers are with his wife Marfy, his two sons Benjamin and Carl, and grandchildren during this difficult time.”
Governor Murphy remembered former Congressman Dick Zimmer as a principled leader who championed fiscal integrity and child safety throughout his public service.
