New Jersey has an acting governor because the sitting governor, Phil Murphy, is temporarily unavailable to fulfill his duties. Under New Jersey law, the lieutenant governor automatically assumes the role of acting governor when the governor is out of state or otherwise unable to perform gubernatorial duties. Currently, Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way is serving as acting governor, including making executive decisions such as declaring a state of emergency for an upcoming severe nor'easter storm, as Governor Murphy is absent, likely on vacation or otherwise occupied.
This arrangement is established by a constitutional amendment effective since 2006 that ensures continuity of governance. If both the governor and lieutenant governor are unavailable, the state senate president is next in line to serve as acting governor.
Summary:
- Governor Phil Murphy is currently unavailable.
- Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way steps in as acting governor automatically.
- This includes authority to declare emergencies and sign laws.
- The succession process is constitutionally mandated for times when the governor is out of state or incapacitated.
Thus, New Jersey has an acting governor to ensure uninterrupted executive leadership during the governor's temporary absence.
