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During a Sept. 8 ceremony at the State House in Trenton, Secretary of State Tahesha Way was officially announced and sworn in as New Jersey’s lieutenant governor, succeeding the late Sheila Oliver, who passed away Aug. 1.

“It is my incredible honor to introduce New Jersey’s next lieutenant governor, Secretary of State Tahesha Way,” said Gov. Phil Murphy on Friday.

Way, who will continue to serve as secretary of state, becomes the third woman and second of color to serve in the lieutenant governor role – following Kim Guadagno and Oliver, respectively.

She has served in a number of roles during her two-decade career in public service, as well as becoming the first Black person — and first New Jersey secretary of state – to lead the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) as president. Way, her husband, former New York Giants fullback Charles Way, and their four children reside in Wayne.

Murphy noted that during the past few weeks of mourning and remembering Oliver, during which time flags flew at half-staff, he said he heard the same sentiment and call to action from New Jerseyans up and down the state — “With Sheila gone, it is now our turn to keep her legacy alive.”

“To continue working together – as one New Jersey family – to build a stronger, fairer state for every family,” said Murphy. “And to be a champion – like Sheila was – for the voiceless. For the underserved. And for the communities that have historically been left behind. So today, with our flags flying high, I am proud to announce that I have selected a proven public servant – with a superb record of accomplishments – to join me in finishing the job that Sheila and I started.”

“There are no words that can adequately express what I am feeling at this moment,” said Way as she opened her remarks. “But let me start by simply saying: Thank you, Gov. Murphy. Thank you for placing your trust in me to serve as the third lieutenant governor of the greatest state in our nation. And I say that, of course, without an ounce of bias. And, just as importantly, I would like to thank every single one of our state’s 9.3 million residents.”

Way also thanked several important people in her life, such as her late parents, Rosa and Robert, as well as her husband and four children, for supporting her journey toward this historic moment.

“Finally, I want to thank one more person who, like my parents, is here with us in spirit,” said Way. “And that is our late Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver. To me, Sheila was more than a trusted colleague. She was a cherished friend, a mentor, a role model to me and the countless other Black women who have chosen a career in public service. And now, as lieutenant governor, I will have the solemn honor of building upon Sheila’s towering legacy.”

Referencing Oliver’s public service career, Way made a promise to the people of New Jersey.

“Like Sheila, I will dedicate every day of my life to fighting for the forgotten families of our state,” she said.

Murphy said that Way has been a vital member of his administration since day one.

“And what Tahesha has demonstrated – time and again – is that she can handle the single most important responsibility of any lieutenant governor. And that is being ready to step in, and serve as governor, if needed,” said Murphy. “She is brilliant. She is battle-tested. And she represents the best of New Jersey.”

The governor stressed that while no one can truly replace Oliver – who he described as his greatest partner in government and leaving incredibly big shoes to fill – he believes Way is the right person to serve as successor.

“Her work over the past five-and-a-half years leading the Department of State has grown New Jersey’s tourism economy, uplifted small businesses, and strengthened our election system,” said Murphy. “Tahesha is the perfect candidate to join me in finishing the job that Sheila and I started.”

Way’s selection was applauded by the late lieutenant governor’s family.

“We are very pleased with Gov. Murphy’s selection of Tahesha Way as Sheila’ successor to be the next lieutenant governor,” said the Oliver family. “Our beloved Sheila dedicated her heart and soul to serving the people of New Jersey – displaying an unwavering commitment to public service that we know Tahesha shares. We know Sheila would have been proud that Tahesha has been selected to carry out her legacy.”

“To have been selected as her [Oliver] successor as New Jersey’s next lieutenant governor is one of the greatest honors of my career,” said Way. “I come to this position as the child of two public servants who molded me into the person I am today. Having experience at different levels of government has showed me the important role that those of us in public office can play in improving the lives of families across our state. I look forward to finishing the work of this administration with Gov. Murphy and continuing to build on the legacy Lt. Gov. Oliver fostered.”

Way was sworn in by New Jersey Supreme Court Chief Justice Stuart Rabner following the brief press conference.

Meanwhile, the appointment is receiving support from top state business leaders, as reaction pours in from around the state.

“The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce applauds the governor’s appointment of Tahesha Way as the third lieutenant governor in the state’s history. In her role as secretary of state, she has done an excellent job promoting New Jersey as a top tourist and entertainment destination, which is so critical to the Garden State economy, supporting 500,000 jobs and generating a total annual economic impact of over $73 billion,” said New Jersey Chamber of Commerce President Tom Bracken in a statement. “We wish Secretary Way much success in her expanded role, and we look forward to collaborating with her on issues important to New Jersey’s economy and employers.”

“NJBIA welcomes the announcement of Tahesha Way as New Jersey’s next Lieutenant Governor. I had the pleasure of working directly with her on New Jersey’s Complete Count Commission and as our Secretary of State, she has been an effective cheerleader for New Jersey tourism and our economy,” said Michele Siekerka, president and CEO, New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA). “We look forward to working more with Tahesha and congratulate her on her well-earned role as New Jersey’s second-in-command.”