Statement from Senator Menendez on Retirement Announcement by New Jersey State Senator Dick Codey

JERSEY CITY, N.J. – U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) released the following statement on today’s announcement by State Senator Dick Codey that he is retiring at the end of his current term.

“It is an indisputable fact that the Garden State is greater because of Dick Codey’s five decades of public service. I had the tremendous honor of serving with him in the New Jersey Senate and know firsthand the kind of leader he is – honest, straightforward and dogged in achieving his vision. His leadership and advocacy on so many issues – from banning smoking indoors to gun control to mental health – has improved the lives of so many New Jerseyans. I was proud to stand with Dick and his wife, Mary Jo, to raise awareness on the important issue of postpartum depression and salute them for their courage in sharing their story to help others at a time when it was not common to do so. But that is Dick Codey – a fighter for what is right and a family man who understands that service comes both inside government and in the community. His years of mentorship and coaching in youth basketball and his love for New Jersey sports has opened doors and taught sportsmanship to generations. On behalf of the nine million people who call New Jersey home, we thank Dick for making his life’s work the betterment of his home state. Nadine and I thank him and wish him happiness in his well-earned retirement.”