Richard Codey facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Richard Codey
Codey in 2011
53rd Governor of New Jersey
In office November 15, 2004 – January 17, 2006
Preceded by	Jim McGreevey
Succeeded by	Jon Corzine
In office January 12, 2002 – January 15, 2002 Acting
Preceded by	John O. Bennett (acting)
Succeeded by	Jim McGreevey
Member of the New Jersey Senate from the 27th district
In office January 10, 1982 – January 9, 2024
Preceded by	Carmen A. Orechio
Succeeded by	John F. McKeon
111th and 113th President of the New Jersey Senate
In office January 8, 2008 – January 12, 2010
Preceded by	Bernard Kenny
Succeeded by	Stephen Sweeney
In office January 8, 2002 – January 7, 2008 Co-Presidency with John Bennett until January 13, 2004
Preceded by	Donald DiFrancesco
Succeeded by	Bernard Kenny
Minority Leader of the New Jersey Senate
In office January 13, 1998 – January 8, 2002
Preceded by	John A. Lynch Jr.
Succeeded by	Leonard Lance (2004)
Member of the New Jersey General Assembly from the 26th district
In office January 8, 1974 – January 12, 1982
Preceded by	Constituency established
Succeeded by	Leanna Brown Dean Gallo
Personal details
Born	Richard James Codey (1946-11-27) November 27, 1946 (age 78) Orange, New Jersey, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Mary Rolli ​ (m. 1981)​
Education	Fairleigh Dickinson University (BA)

Richard James Codey (born November 27, 1946) is an American politician who served as the 53rd governor of New Jersey from 2004 to 2006. As a member of the Democratic Party, he had a long career in New Jersey's government.

Codey holds the record for being the longest-serving state lawmaker in New Jersey's history. He was part of the New Jersey Legislature from January 8, 1974, to January 9, 2024, which is a total of 50 years!

Early Life and Career Path

Codey's wife, Mary Jo Codey, who was the First Lady of New Jersey.

Richard Codey grew up in Orange, New Jersey, where his family owned a funeral home. He attended several schools, including Our Lady of the Valley High School and Oratory Preparatory School, where he graduated.

Before entering politics, Codey worked as a licensed funeral director, taking over his father's job. He once said that as a teenager, he helped his father, who was the county coroner, with difficult tasks like recovering bodies from accident scenes. These experiences helped him mature quickly.

In 1981, he graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a bachelor's degree.

A Long Career in Politics

In 1973, Codey decided to leave the funeral business and run for office. He was elected to the State Assembly, which is one of the two houses of the New Jersey Legislature. He served there from 1974 to 1982.

Serving in the New Jersey Senate

In 1981, Codey was elected to the State Senate, the other house of the legislature. He became a very important leader, eventually serving as the Senate President from 2002 to 2010. In his honor, the South Mountain Arena in West Orange, New Jersey, was named after him.

After serving as governor, Codey returned to the State Senate and was re-elected in 2007. He continued to serve the people of his district for many more years.

Governor of New Jersey

Codey speaking in October 2008.

Because of his role as Senate President, Richard Codey had the unique experience of serving as governor on multiple occasions.

Short Stints as Acting Governor

In New Jersey, if a governor resigns, the Senate President takes over as "acting governor." Codey first did this for three days in January 2002, between the time Governor Christine Todd Whitman left office and Governor Jim McGreevey was sworn in.

He became acting governor again on November 15, 2004, after Governor McGreevey resigned. This time, he served for over a year, until January 17, 2006.

In April 2007, he stepped in as acting governor one more time when Governor Jon Corzine was seriously injured in a car accident. He served until Governor Corzine recovered and returned to his duties on May 7, 2007.

Making a Difference as Governor

During his main term as governor from 2004 to 2006, Codey focused on several important issues.

• Healthier Schools: He created new rules for school cafeterias to make sure students had healthier food choices. The new guidelines removed sugary drinks and snacks.
• Player Safety: He created a special group to find ways to stop the use of steroids in high school and college sports. This led to drug testing for high school athletes in championship games.
• Public Safety: He signed a law that put a temporary stop to the death penalty in New Jersey. This was the first law of its kind in the United States.
• New Stadium: He helped negotiate the deal to build MetLife Stadium, the home of the New York Giants and New York Jets football teams.
• State Slogan: He asked the public to help choose a new state slogan. The winning slogan was "New Jersey: Come See for Yourself."

A law was later passed that officially named anyone who served as acting governor for more than 180 days as a full "Governor." This made Richard Codey the 53rd Governor of New Jersey.

Personal Life

Richard Codey is married to Mary Jo Codey. They have two sons, Kevin and Chris.