Governor Murphy and Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver Highlight Shared Accomplishments During First Term

TRENTON — Governor Phil Murphy, joined by Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver, New Jersey Democratic State Committee Chairman LeRoy Jones, State Senator Teresa Ruiz, and Assemblywoman Britnee Timberlake today highlighted their shared commitment to building a stronger, fairer, and more resilient New Jersey that works for every family. The Governor also highlighted Lieutenant Governor Oliver’s substantial contributions to the administration during their first term in office.

A trailblazer in every sense of the word, in 2010 Sheila Oliver became the first African American woman in state history to serve as Assembly Speaker, and just the second in the nation’s history to lead a state legislative house. In 2018, Sheila Oliver became the first woman of color to hold statewide office in New Jersey.

In addition to her role as Lieutenant Governor, Sheila Oliver serves as Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs (DCA). Under her leadership, the DCA has strengthened and expanded initiatives for fair and affordable housing, community revitalization, homelessness prevention, and local government services that support New Jersey’s 565 municipalities.

“From building an economy that works for everyone to creating safe, affordable housing options for working families, Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver understands as well as anyone how far we’ve come and how much work we’ve left ahead,” said Governor Murphy. “I am incredibly proud of the strides we’ve made together, and I cannot say enough about her invaluable partnership.”

“Over the past three-plus years, Governor Murphy has been a breath of fresh air, and he’s governing based on facts and the best interests of all 9.3 million New Jerseyans, not the well-connected few,” said Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver. “To keep moving forward, we need to lift up our entire New Jersey family, and that’s exactly what we’re committed to doing.”