Tahesha Leila Approach, who has served as N.J. secretary of state since 2018, has been named to succeed the late Sheila Oliver as lieutenant governor.
Approach is now New Jersey’s third lieutenant governor, after having served because the state’s thirty fourth secretary of state.
“Throughout these previous weeks of mourning and remembrance, I’ve heard the identical sentiment expressed by New Jerseyans up and down our state,” Gov. Phil Murphy stated on the ceremony asserting Approach’s appointment. “It’s a sentiment I not solely share, however contemplate a name to motion.
And that’s this: With Sheila gone, it’s now our flip to maintain her legacy alive…and to be a champion—like Sheila was—for the unvoiced. For the underserved. And for the communities which have traditionally been left behind.
“So right this moment…I’m proud to announce that I’ve chosen a confirmed public servant––with an excellent document of accomplishments––to hitch me in ending the job that Sheila and I began. Right this moment, it’s my unbelievable honor to introduce New Jersey’s subsequent lieutenant governor: Secretary of State Tahesha Leila Approach! And proper off the bat, let me say: There isn’t a higher particular person for the job.”
With household and mates current, Approach took the oath to function lieutenant governor on Sept. 8 and declared it a “solemn honor” to construct on Oliver’s legacy.
“Right here is my promise to the folks of New Jersey,” Approach stated. “Like Sheila, I’ll dedicate day-after-day of my life to combating for the forgotten households of our state. I’ll do the whole lot in my energy to convey down the price of residing, so no mother or father should endure the indignity of selecting between placing meals on the desk or maintaining a roof over their little one’s head. I’ll shield our basic freedoms, so each resident of our state could make their very own well being care choices, or entry inexpensive larger training, or just, marry who they love and reside as who they’re of their hearts. And, in fact, I’ll work to make sure that New Jersey stays the perfect—and most secure—state to boost a household.”
