New Jersey Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, currently fulfilling the role of acting governor while Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy is away from the state, has been hospitalized due to an undisclosed medical matter.
At 71 years old, Oliver was admitted to Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston and is presently unable to perform her duties as acting governor, as confirmed by Murphy’s spokesperson, Mahen Gunaratna, in a statement on Monday. According to the state constitution, Senate President Nicholas Scutari will temporarily assume the position of acting governor during her absence.
While Oliver is receiving medical care, no further details have been provided by Gunaratna regarding her condition. Governor Murphy’s office has stated that he is currently on a family vacation in Italy, where he owns a home.
As a Democrat, Oliver has been serving as the state’s second lieutenant governor since 2018.
