ELEC Honors the Legacy of Governor Richard “Dick” Codey

January 22, 2026 ELEC Meeting Cancelled

The New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) mourns the passing of former Governor Richard “Dick” Codey, who will be lying in state at the New Jersey State House on January 22, 2026.

Accordingly, the ELEC public meeting on Thursday, January 22 has been cancelled.

The Commission joins the State of New Jersey in honoring Governor Codey’s life and public service. Governor Codey leaves a lasting legacy as a principled public servant and a strong advocate for ethical government and transparency in the electoral process. During his tenure as Governor and the longest-serving legislator in New Jersey history, he was an advocate for campaign finance disclosure and accountability.

Most notably, in March 2005, Governor Codey signed landmark legislation strengthening New Jersey’s pay-to-play laws, including provisions banning campaign contributions by businesses holding state contracts, a critical step in curbing corruption and restoring public trust in government.

The Commissioners and staff of ELEC encourage the citizens of the Garden State to reflect on the indelible legacy of this devoted public servant and his lasting impact on New Jersey law and public policy. ELEC acknowledges Governor Codey’s leadership and enduring contributions to election campaign financing transparency in New Jersey, values that remain central to the Commission’s mission.

Thomas H. Prol, Chair
New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission

RESOLUTION OF THE NEW JERSEY ELECTION LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMISSION
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF FORMER GOVERNOR RICHARD “DICK” CODEY

WHEREAS, the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (“ELEC”) expresses its profound sadness on the passing of former Governor Richard “Dick” Codey, a dedicated public servant who devoted his life to the people of the State of New Jersey; and

WHEREAS, Governor Codey will lie in state at the New Jersey State House on January 22, a fitting honor reserved for those whose service and leadership have had a lasting impact on the Garden State; and

WHEREAS, Governor Codey was a steadfast advocate for ethical government, transparency, and accountability in the electoral process, principles that align directly with the mission of ELEC; and

WHEREAS, in March 2005, Governor Codey signed landmark legislation strengthening New Jersey’s pay-to-play laws, including provisions banning campaign contributions by businesses holding state contracts, thereby advancing public trust in government and campaign finance integrity; and

WHEREAS, Governor Codey’s leadership and commitment to campaign finance reform continue to shape and guide the work of ELEC;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC) hereby honors the life, service, and enduring legacy of former Governor Richard “Dick” Codey; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Commissioners and staff of ELEC express their deep sympathy to the family of Governor Codey, especially his beloved wife, Mary Jo, his treasured sons, Kevin and Christopher, his daughter-in-law, Danielle, and his siblings and grandchildren, to whom we are immensely grateful for their support of his dedicated public service to the Garden State; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution shall be permanently memorialized in the official record of the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission, communicated to Mrs. Codey and the Codey family, and posted on the Commission's website.

Respectfully,
Thomas H. Prol, Chair
New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission

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