Tahesha Way facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tahesha Way
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| 3rd Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey | |
| Assumed office September 8, 2023 |
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| Governor | Phil Murphy |
| Preceded by | Sheila Oliver |
| 34th Secretary of State of New Jersey | |
| Assumed office January 16, 2018 Acting: January 16, 2018 – February 26, 2018 |
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| Governor | Phil Murphy |
| Preceded by | Kim Guadagno |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Tahesha Leila Wright
1971/1972 (age 52–53) New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Charles Way |
| Children | 4 |
| Education | Brown University (BA) University of Virginia (JD) |
Tahesha Leila Way (born 1971 or 1972) is an important politician, lawyer, and judge from New Jersey. She is a member of the Democratic Party. Since 2023, she has been New Jersey's third Lieutenant Governor. She has also served as the state's 34th Secretary of State since 2018. Before these roles, she was a leader on the Board of Chosen Freeholders in Passaic County, New Jersey.
Early Life and Education
Way grew up in The Bronx, a part of New York City. She went to Brown University and earned a degree in English and American literature. Later, she studied law at the University of Virginia School of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctor degree.
After finishing her studies, Way worked in different fields. She was a law clerk, helping judges with their work. She also worked as a television producer for a channel called Court TV. For a time, she taught literature as a professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Career in Public Service
Way became a licensed lawyer in 1998. She worked as a lawyer in Totowa, New Jersey. She also served as an administrative law judge, which means she helped settle disagreements in government cases.
In 2006, Way was chosen to be part of the Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders. This board helps manage the county's government. She later became the director of this board.
In December 2017, Governor-elect Phil Murphy chose Way to be the next Secretary of State of New Jersey. She officially became New Jersey's 34th Secretary of State on February 26, 2018. In this role, she oversees elections, keeps state records, and promotes tourism and business in New Jersey.
On September 8, 2023, Governor Murphy appointed Way as lieutenant governor of New Jersey. This happened after the previous Lieutenant Governor, Sheila Oliver, passed away. In New Jersey, the Lieutenant Governor must also hold another important state job. So, Way continues to serve as Secretary of State while also being the Lieutenant Governor.
In July 2024, there was talk that Way might be chosen by Governor Murphy to become a U.S. Senator. This was after Senator Bob Menendez announced he would resign from his position.
Personal Life
Tahesha Way is married to Charles Way, who used to play professional football for the New York Giants. They have four children together.
See also
- List of female lieutenant governors in the United States
- List of minority governors and lieutenant governors in the United States
