LD16 Democrats Statement on Passing of Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver

Hillsborough, NJ – Following the passing of Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver, the 16th District Democrats released the following statements of condolence.

“I had the honor of serving with Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver for two years in the General Assembly. She was a tremendous and powerful leader. When she rose to speak, rooms would become quiet, knowing that what she was about to say was persuasive and important,” said Senator Andrew Zwicker. “On a personal note, she was always so kind to me, from the moment I first entered the Statehouse through her time as Lt. Governor. We would chat about family as much as we would policy. This is a tremendous loss for New Jersey, and I will miss her.”

“Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver has been an incredible public servant and advocate for every citizen in New Jersey throughout her long and storied career in State Government,” said Assemblyman Roy Freiman. “She knew and loved this state from her beginnings in Newark to the over 40 years at her home in East Orange. As the first Black woman to serve as Speaker of the State General Assembly and the second Black woman in the nation’s history to lead a house of state legislature, she was a trailblazer. Her legacy will continue to be an inspiration to anyone who worked with her, who knew her, and the innumerable amount of people whose lives she has impacted.

“Her dedicated work on women’s and children’s issues will affect New Jersey families in perpetuity. The work she did as Chair of the Human Services Committee demonstrated the abundance of compassion and consideration she had for all of the citizens of our great state. She believed that neighborhoods are the center of our communities and should be strong and equitable. She was the type of woman who built people up and helped empower historic and traditional businesses on Main Streets across the state. She was indeed a voice for the voiceless.

“We lost an incredible and irreplaceable friend and colleague today who will be sorely missed by all of us.”

“Lt. Governor Oliver was an inspiration and source of hope to so many New Jerseyans, myself included,” said Assembly Candidate MItchelle Drulis. “She was a trailblazing public servant whose legacy will set the standard for New Jersey’s elected officials in decades to come. My heart and my prayers are with her family and loved ones at this most difficult time.”

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