Rep. Payne, Jr.’s Statement on the Passing of New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver 

Washington, D.C. — Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. issued the following statement regarding the passing of New Jersey’s Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver, who died today from an undisclosed medical condition.  She was the first Black woman to be elected New Jersey’s Assembly Speaker and only the second Black woman in American history to lead a house of a state legislature.

“I’m devastated to learn of the passing of my good friend, my mentor, my neighbor and my Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver,” said Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr.  “Her strong leadership and compassion for people has served the state for so many years in many capacities.  Her oratory skills were second to none.  You were always humbled when she used those skills to speak of you.  She leaves a void in our hearts.  I want to send my most heartfelt condolences to the entire Oliver family at this tragic time.  I will miss my Bock Avenue neighbor.”

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