NJDSC Chairman Releases Statement on the Passing of Former State Senator Ron Rice                          

TRENTON, NJ – In response to the passing of former State Sen. Ron Rice, the longest-serving Black lawmaker in New Jersey history, NJDSC Chairman Leroy J. Jones Jr. is releasing the following statement:

“I am saddened to hear of the passing of a true legend of our state in former State Senator Ron Rice, and on behalf of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee I offer my sincere condolences and prayers to his family, friends and constituents. I have known Ron Rice for many years and had the honor of serving alongside him in the state legislature, where I saw his steadfast commitment to the City of Newark and his Senate district up close. Senator Rice always spoke his mind, fought for the principles he believed in and refused to back down. But at the same time he was a gentleman who, regardless of whether or not he disagreed on a public policy issue, always maintained friendships and cordial relationships with everyone he encountered. Those values made him one of the most influential elected officials in New Jersey history and someone who will be remembered as a tireless fighter for social justice and progress. The City of Newark, the County of Essex, the State of New Jersey and even the nation itself are better for Senator Ron Rice’s many contributions as an elected official, a veteran, a police officer, a community leader, a family man and a friend. I will miss him very much.”