Senate President Richard J. Codey began his career in state government in 1973 when he was elected to the Assembly in the New Jersey Legislature. He went on to become a Senator in 1982 and while serving as Senate President in 2004 he assumed the governorship when Governor when James E. McGreevey resigned before his term expired. Throughout a career in state government that has spanned more than three decades, Senate President and former Governor Richard J. Codey has earned a reputation as an independent thinker and a champion of change to benefit the public good.

Throughout his distinguished career, Codey has become known for his advocacy on behalf of the mentally ill, working tirelessly to improve treatment, care and education for those with mental illness. He has also been a vocal public health advocate, playing an instrumental role in providing affordable and accessible health care, creating a prescription drug assistance program for seniors, funding innovative cancer research programs, and signing the landmark Smoke Free Air Act into law. Today he is one of New Jersey’s strongest proponents for stem cell research, sponsoring bills that will provide long-term funding to turn the promise of stem cells into reality. He has championed countless measures to improve our safety and security and protect our environment – banning assault weapons, conducting a statewide security audit at all schools, requiring security measures at chemical plants, protecting our water, preserving open space and enacting stricter standards to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions.