TRENTON — Governor Phil Murphy on Monday unveiled the official portrait of Kim Guadagno, New Jersey’s first lieutenant governor, finalizing a historic series of paintings that will permanently honor the state’s lieutenant governors in the State House.
The ceremony was held in Trenton and attended by Guadagno, her family and former staff, Governor Murphy, Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way, and former Governor Chris Christie, under whom Guadagno served. The unveiling marks the completion of the first round of lieutenant governor portraits, following Murphy’s 2023 announcement to commission and display portraits for all former officeholders.
“Lieutenant Governor Guadagno served our state with distinction for eight years,” Governor Murphy said, recognizing her role in balancing duties as both lieutenant governor and secretary of state. The portrait joins that of the late Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver, who passed away in 2023, and is part of a newly formalized tradition intended to honor the contributions of all future lieutenant governors.
Guadagno, who served from 2010 to 2018, was appointed New Jersey’s first lieutenant governor following a constitutional amendment creating the position. She led efforts under the Christie administration to reduce bureaucracy and support economic development.
“I am incredibly humbled to have my portrait for display in the State House,” Guadagno said. “It was a privilege serving the residents of our great state for eight years.”
The ceremony was also marked by reflections from Lieutenant Governor Way, who now holds the same dual role once held by Guadagno, and by remarks from Christie, who praised her for her leadership and work on job creation and business development.
The Oliver family, attending in support, called the portrait “a tribute to Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno’s trailblazing legacy.”
With the unveiling, the State House now features the official portraits of New Jersey’s first three lieutenant governors: Guadagno, Oliver, and Way, formalizing their place in state history.
Guadagno’s portrait installation completes a visual legacy for New Jersey’s evolving second-highest office.
