DETROIT — Today, Democratic Lieutenant Governors’ Association Chair and Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist shared the following statement on the passing of New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver:
“I join our community of lieutenant governors across the nation in expressing our profound sadness after learning of New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver’s passing. Lieutenant Governor Oliver was a proud “Jersey Girl” who spent her life in service to the state she loved so dearly, blazing trails as she fought to make New Jersey more prosperous and more equitable for all. Lieutenant Governor Oliver led courageously, making history as the first Black woman to serve as Assembly Speaker, and later the first woman of color to serve as Lieutenant Governor. Throughout her career, she always stayed rooted in her commitment to advocating for social justice and equality for every New Jerseyan.
Lieutenant Governor Oliver generously mentored me and many other public servants during her career. Her leadership will be felt for many years to come with the lasting progress she helped create for the state of New Jersey and communities across the country. We will continue to be guided by the example she set of authentic and distinguished service. Our thoughts are with her loved ones at this time.”
