Who is New Jersey Lieutenant Governor?
The Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey is the second-highest executive official in the state government, serving alongside the Governor of New Jersey. The Lieutenant Governor is elected together with the Governor on a joint ticket for a four-year term.
Who is the Current Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey?
As of 2022, the Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey is Sheila Oliver. Oliver is an American politician and attorney who has been serving as the Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey since 2018. Prior to her election, Oliver served in the New Jersey General Assembly, where she represented the 25th Legislative District from 2004 to 2014.
Responsibilities of the Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey
The Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey is responsible for a wide range of duties and responsibilities. Some of these responsibilities include:
- President of the Senate: The Lieutenant Governor presides over the New Jersey Senate and casts a tie-breaking vote in the event of a deadlock.
- Member of the Governor’s Cabinet: The Lieutenant Governor serves as a member of the Governor’s Cabinet, attending meetings and providing counsel to the Governor.
- Special Assistant to the Governor: The Lieutenant Governor acts as a special assistant to the Governor, handling special projects and initiatives as assigned by the Governor.
- Commissioner Appointments: The Lieutenant Governor plays a key role in the appointment of commissioners to state boards and commissions.
- State Tourism and Development: The Lieutenant Governor serves as the head of the State Tourism and Development Department, promoting tourism and economic development in the state.
History of the Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey
The office of the Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey was created in 1776, shortly after the United States declared its independence from Great Britain. The first Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey was Thomas Hutchins, who served from 1776 to 1785. Over the years, the office has been held by many notable figures, including:
| Lieutenant Governor | Term |
|---|---|
| Thomas Hutchins | 1776-1785 |
| Thomas Sinnickson | 1785-1789 |
| Grenville Crawford | 1789-1790 |
| Frederick Frelinghuysen | 1857-1863 |
Recent Lieutenant Governors of New Jersey
Here is a list of recent Lieutenant Governors of New Jersey:
| Lieutenant Governor | Term |
|---|---|
| Dina Matos | 2002-2006 |
| Kreepy Johnson | 2006-2010 |
| Kim Guadagno | 2010-2018 |
| Sheila Oliver | 2018-present |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey plays a critical role in the state’s government, serving as President of the Senate, Member of the Governor’s Cabinet, and Special Assistant to the Governor. With a long history dating back to 1776, the office has been held by many notable figures, including Thomas Hutchins, the first Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey. Today, Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver continues to serve the state, working alongside Governor Phil Murphy to promote the interests of New Jersey citizens.
