List of Governors of New Jersey
This is a list of those who have served as
Governor of New Jersey. Traditionally, only elected governors are considered in the numeration of the governors, hence
William Livingston is often given the honor of being the first Governor of New Jersey. However, legislation signed on
January 10,
2006 allowed those acting governors who had served at least 180 days to drop the "acting" from their title to become "Governor". This changed
Donald DiFrancesco and
Richard Codey's titles retroactively and also affected
Jim McGreevey's numbering.
Acting governors are listed only where there is a permanent gubernatorial vacancy, not when a sitting Governor is out-of-state or temporarily unable to perform their duties as Governor.
Governors of New York and New Jersey (1703–1738)
Governors of New Jersey only (1738–1776)
Governors under the 1776 N.J. Constitution (1776–1844)
Governors under the 1844 N.J. Constitution (1844–1946)
1 Resigned as Governor to become Attorney General of the United States2 Resigned as Governor to become President of the United States3 Resigned as Governor to become a United States SenatorGovernors under the 1947 N.J. Constitution (1947—)
1 Resigned as Governor to become Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency2 Was one of three New Jersey State Senate Presidents who held the position of Acting Governor during this time3 As the New Jersey Attorney General, assumed the office of Governor for 90 minutes while a new Senate President was being sworn in for the new session4 Resigned as Governor in August 2004, effective November 15, 2004, after admitting that he had an affair with a man while married to his wife Dina Matos5 Became Governor on November 15, 2004, following resignation of Gov. McGreevey. He served until January 17, 2006 when Jon Corzine was sworn into office6 As per legislation signed by Governor Codey on January 10, 2006, any acting Governor who serves for at least 6 months would officially have the title "Governor." This law was applied retroactively to DiFrancesco as well* Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey* Governors of New Jersey - source for numbering of governors, with William Livingston counted as the first governor, and reflecting legislative changes regarding Acting Governors.* State of New Jersey website - List of Governors
* New Jersey State Library Biographies of New Jersey Governors
