Richard Codey, the governor of New Jersey in the mid-2000s and the state's longest serving lawmaker, has died at age 79, his family announced on Sunday.

"Our family has lost a beloved husband, father and grandfather -- and New Jersey lost a remarkable public servant who touched the lives of all who knew him," his family posted on his Facebook page.

Codey was the longest-serving lawmaker in New Jersey before retiring in 2023 from the state Senate. His first race was in November of 1973. He was sworn in the following January. In a Facebook post, Codey said he has fond memories of his 14 months as governor after Jim McGreevey.

Codey said in 2023 that he was “proud” of the work he’s done in the Legislature and during his time as New Jersey’s 53rd governor.

As president of the state Senate, he took over the additional role of acting governor when Gov. James McGreevey resigned from office in 2004.

“I’ve been your assemblyman, your senator and your governor. Now, it’s time to trade all those trips to Trenton for more time as a husband, father and grandpa,” Codey wrote in his retirement post.

“I’ve fought to pass laws that matter to all New Jerseyans, especially people who don’t always have a voice or the ability to be heard. From mental health and addiction services to bans on indoor smoking and championing our toughest-in-the-nation gun laws. I've fought for who and what I believe in, even when it wasn't easy.”