TRENTON, NJ – New Jersey is facing a peculiar event today as Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who was serving as acting Governor for Phil Murphy is currently receiving medical attention at a hospital for an undisclosed medical issue.
She was covering for Governor Phil Murphy, who is vacationing in his multi-million villa in Italy.
Under New Jersey law, if both the governor and Lt. Governor fall ill, die, or cannot carry out the duty of the office, the position goes to the top official in the New Jersey Senate.
At this time, it is unknown why Oliver is in the hospital, but the incident appears to be unexpected.
“Lieutenant Governor Oliver is currently receiving medical care at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston and is unable to discharge the duties of Acting Governor at this time. Pursuant to Article V, Section I, paragraph 7 of the New Jersey Constitution, Senate President Scutari has assumed the duties of Acting Governor effective this morning,” said Murphy’s Communications Director Mahen Gunaratna. “We wish the Lieutenant Governor well as she undergoes medical care. We will provide updates to the situation as they arise.”