New Jersey is a weird place when it comes to politics. For a long time, we didn't even have a backup plan. If the Governor had to step away or, God forbid, passed away, the Senate President would just slide into the seat. It was messy. It led to some truly confusing moments where one person was basically running two branches of government at once.
Honestly, the lieutenant governor of nj is a relatively new concept for a state that’s been around since the 1700s. We only started this in 2010. Before then? Nothing. Now, it's one of the most unique jobs in the country because it’s not just about waiting for the Governor to get sick.
The Weird History of the Lieutenant Governor of NJ
You might think every state has a second-in-command, but New Jersey was a holdout. For over 200 years, we relied on the President of the State Senate to fill a vacancy. This created a "Dual Role" nightmare. In the early 2000s, things got particularly chaotic. When Christie Whitman left to join the EPA and later when Jim McGreevey resigned, the state had a series of "Acting Governors."
Voters got tired of the musical chairs. In 2005, they approved a constitutional amendment to create the office we have now.
The first person to ever hold the title was Kim Guadagno, who served under Chris Christie. Then came Sheila Oliver, a powerhouse in Jersey politics who sadly passed away in office in 2023. Her death was a shock to the system and reminded everyone why this role actually matters. It’s not just a ceremonial ribbon-cutter.
Tahesha Way and the Modern Office
Right now, as of early 2026, Tahesha Way is the Lieutenant Governor. She was appointed by Governor Phil Murphy to fill the vacancy left by Sheila Oliver. But here’s the kicker: Way also keeps her job as the Secretary of State.
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In New Jersey, the Lieutenant Governor must head a cabinet-level department. You can't just sit in an office and wait for the phone to ring. You’ve got to actually run a massive chunk of the government.
As Secretary of State, Way oversees:
- State elections (which is a massive, high-pressure job).
- The New Jersey State Museum and Archives.
- Tourism and the arts.
- Business and community development.
It’s a lot of hats. She's essentially the state's Chief Diplomat and Chief Election Officer while being one heartbeat away from the governorship.
Who is Next? The 2025 Election Fallout
We just came off a major election cycle in November 2025. With Phil Murphy term-limited, the seat was wide open. Mikie Sherrill won the race for Governor, which is huge—she’s only the second woman to lead the state.
But her win also means we have a new Lieutenant Governor-elect: Dale Caldwell.
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Caldwell is set to be sworn in on January 20, 2026. This is a historic moment because he will be the first man to ever hold the position of lieutenant governor of nj. Up until now, the office has been exclusively held by women (Guadagno, Oliver, and Way). It’s a bit of a "breaking the glass ceiling" moment in reverse, I guess you could say.
What Does the Job Actually Pay?
People always ask if these politicians are raking it in. The salary for the Lieutenant Governor is set at $175,000. While that’s a lot more than most of us make, it’s arguably a bargain for the taxpayers since the person is doing two full-time executive jobs for one paycheck.
The Succession Drama Nobody Talks About
Most people think the line of succession is simple. Governor, then LG. But what if they both go down?
New Jersey has a very specific "Plan B." If the Governor and the lieutenant governor of nj are both unable to serve, the baton passes to the President of the Senate. If that person can't do it, it goes to the Speaker of the General Assembly.
It’s a rigid structure designed to prevent the "Acting Governor" chaos of the early 2000s. The LG is the primary guard against that uncertainty. When Sheila Oliver passed, Tahesha Way’s appointment was handled relatively quickly to ensure the executive branch didn't have a power vacuum.
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Misconceptions About the Office
One big mistake people make is thinking the LG has their own independent power. They don't. In NJ, the Lieutenant Governor is essentially an extension of the Governor's will. They are elected on the same ticket—you can't "split" your vote and pick a Democrat for Governor and a Republican for LG. They are a package deal.
Sorta like a Vice President, the LG’s influence depends entirely on their relationship with the Governor. Phil Murphy gave Sheila Oliver a massive amount of leeway to handle housing and community affairs. We’ll have to see how Mikie Sherrill utilizes Dale Caldwell.
Actionable Insights: Why You Should Care
If you live in New Jersey, the LG is actually more likely to impact your daily life than the Governor in some ways. Because they run a department (like the Department of State), they control the bureaucracy you deal with.
- Check Your Registration: Since the LG (as Secretary of State) usually oversees elections, if you have issues with voting or your registration, their office is the one you're actually dealing with.
- Business Licensing: If you're starting a business, you're interacting with the LG's department.
- Watch the 2026 Transition: With Dale Caldwell taking over, expect some shifts in how the Department of State operates. Every new LG brings their own flavor to the cabinet position they lead.
- Follow the Policy Focus: Usually, a Governor picks a running mate to "balance" the ticket. Sherrill is a former Navy pilot and prosecutor; Caldwell brings a background in education and business. Watch for him to take the lead on economic development projects across the state.
The lieutenant governor of nj isn't just a backup singer. They're the ones keeping the lights on in the departments that make the state move. Keep an eye on Trenton this year—it’s going to be a busy one with the new administration settling in.