Former Democratic Gov. Jim Florio, a fixture in New Jersey politics, has died; he was 85 years old. Gov. Florio spent the majority of his life in public service, beginning in 1969 when he won a seat in the state Assembly. He then spent 15 years as a congressman representing South Jersey before becoming the state’s 49th governor, holding office from 1990 to 1994.
On Monday, politicians from both sides of the aisle, including former Republican governors Chris Christie and Christine Todd Whitman, praised his counsel during their time in office, as a leader who put principles first, no matter the cost to his career. Statements have been pouring in from environmental groups to building trades, and local, state and federal lawmakers. Gov. Phil Murphy praised Florio’s guts and grit, his civility and grace. He is ordering state flags to be flown at half-staff in the late governor’s honor.
Senior Political Correspondent David Cruz and Senior Writer and Projects Editor Colleen O’Dea, both of whom covered the former governor over the years, discuss his legacy.
