Guadagno, Oliver will have portraits in statehouse, Murphy says

Governor announces that New Jersey’s lieutenant governors will take their place in state history

By David Wildstein, August 07 2023 9:36 am

Portraits of New Jersey’s two lieutenant governors, Sheila Oliver and Kim Guadagno, will be displayed in the statehouse, Gov. Phil Murphy announced today.

Murphy is adding lieutenant governors to the state’s tradition of honoring former governors with official portraits.

The process will take some time as artists are commissioned, and their work is completed.

“Lieutenant Governors play pivotal roles in gubernatorial administrations, but to date, unlike former governors, they have not been recognized with official portraits,” said Murphy. “It is time to address this shortcoming and set a new standard to commemorate their time in public service. I couldn’t think of two more deserving candidates for these portraits than these two exceptional women who have served our state with distinction for decades.”

Oliver died on August 1 after an extended illness.

Voters approved the creation of the lieutenant governorship in a 2005 referendum with 56% of the vote, a decision that followed two gubernatorial vacancies in less than four years. Guadagno became the first to hold the position when she won the 2009 election.

“As the first two lieutenant governors of New Jersey, Sheila and I shared a unique bond of serving the residents of our great state,” Guadagno said.

Guadagno spent eight years as lieutenant governor, and about 500 days as acting governor while Chris Christie was out of state.

“The commissioning of a portrait that will stand as a testament to her legacy,” Murphy said of Oliver. “Sheila’s unwavering dedication to the people of New Jersey has left an enduring mark on our state, one that will be immortalized in the halls of our State House forever.”

In a statement, Oliver’s family said the portrait “will stand as a tribute not only to her remarkable career of public service, but also as a source of inspiration for generations to come.”

“This is a testament to her enduring legacy and unwavering commitment to her community and state,” the late lieutenant governor’s family stated.