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Tahesha Leila Way (née Wright; born 1971 or 1972)[1][2] is an American politician, lawyer, and judge from New Jersey. A member of the Democratic Party, she has served as the state's third lieutenant governor since 2023, and as its 34th secretary of State since 2018. She was previously a member and director of the Board of Chosen Freeholders in Passaic County, New Jersey.
Tahesha Way | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 3rd Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey | |
| Assumed office September 8, 2023 | |
| Governor | Phil Murphy |
| Preceded by | Sheila Oliver |
| 34th Secretary of State of New Jersey | |
| Assumed office January 16, 2018 Acting: January 16, 2018 – February 26, 2018 | |
| Governor | Phil Murphy |
| Preceded by | Kim Guadagno |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Tahesha Leila Wright 1971 or 1972 (age 52–53) New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Charles Way |
| Children | 4 |
| Education | Brown University (BA) University of Virginia (JD) |
Way grew up in The Bronx.[3][failed verification] She earned her undergraduate degree in English and American literature from Brown University and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Virginia School of Law. She worked as a law clerk, a television producer for Court TV, and a literature professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University.[4]
Way was admitted to the state bar in 1998.[5] She worked as a lawyer in Totowa, New Jersey, and as an administrative law judge.[2][4]
Way was appointed to the Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders in 2006.[5] In December 2017, Governor-elect Phil Murphy selected Way as the next Secretary of State of New Jersey.[6] She was sworn in as New Jersey's 34th Secretary of State on February 26, 2018.[7]
On September 8, 2023, Murphy appointed Way as lieutenant governor of New Jersey, filling the vacancy triggered by the death of Sheila Oliver.[1] As the lieutenant governor of New Jersey is constitutionally required to simultaneously hold an appointed cabinet position, Way continues to serve as Secretary of State.[2]
In July 2024, Way was mentioned as a contender to be appointed by Murphy to replace Bob Menendez in the United States Senate, after Menendez announced that he would resign effective August 20 after being convicted in his corruption trial.[8]
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Way is married to former New York Giants running back Charles Way. They have four children.[5][2]
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