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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| Appointed by | Phil Murphy |
| 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 |
| Member of the Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders | |
| In office July 6, 2006 – January 7, 2010 |
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| Preceded by | Lois Cuccinello |
| Succeeded by | Deborah Ciambrone Michael Marotta Edward O'Connell |
| 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 American politician 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 been the state's 34th Secretary of State since 2018. Before these roles, she worked on the Board of County Commissioners in Passaic County, New Jersey.
Early Life and Education
Tahesha 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 and became a lawyer.
Before her political career, she worked in different jobs. She was a law clerk, which means she helped judges and lawyers with legal research. She also worked as a television producer for a channel called Court TV. Plus, she taught literature at Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Public Service and Leadership
Tahesha Way became a licensed lawyer in 1998. She worked as a lawyer in Totowa, New Jersey. She also served as an administrative law judge, making decisions in legal 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.
In December 2017, Phil Murphy, who was about to become the Governor, chose Tahesha Way to be the next Secretary of State of New Jersey. She officially started this important job on February 26, 2018.
On September 8, 2023, Governor Murphy appointed Way to another big role: lieutenant governor of New Jersey. She took this position after Sheila Oliver, the previous lieutenant governor, passed away. In New Jersey, the lieutenant governor must also hold another cabinet position. So, Tahesha 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 to replace Bob Menendez in the United States Senate. Menendez announced he would resign, and Governor Murphy later chose George Helmy for the Senate seat.
Personal Life
Tahesha Way is married to Charles Way, who used to play football for the New York Giants. They have four daughters together.
See also
- List of female lieutenant governors in the United States
- List of minority governors and lieutenant governors in the United States
