Tahesha Way

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Tahesha Way
BornTahesha Leila Wright
BirthplaceNew York City, New York, U.S.
NationalityAmerican
OccupationPolitician, jurist
TitleLieutenant Governor of New Jersey
Known for34th Secretary of State of New Jersey, 3rd Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey
EducationUniversity of Virginia (JD)
Spouse(s)Charles Way
Children4

Tahesha Leila Way (née Wright; born 1971 or 1972) is an American politician, attorney, and public servant from New Jersey. A member of the Democratic Party, she served as the 34th Secretary of State of New Jersey from 2018 to 2026 and as the state's 3rd Lieutenant Governor from 2023 to 2026, both under Governor Phil Murphy.[1][2] Born in New York City and raised in New Jersey, Way built a career that spanned law, local government, and state-level executive service before entering the race for the United States Congress in late 2025. Prior to her statewide appointments, she served as a member and director of the Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders from 2006 to 2010.[3] As Secretary of State, Way oversaw New Jersey's elections administration for eight years, a role that positioned her prominently in state government and public life. In 2025, following the end of her tenure in state government, she launched a campaign for New Jersey's 11th congressional district.[4]

Early Life

Tahesha Leila Wright was born in New York City in 1971 or 1972.[3] She grew up in New Jersey, where she would later build her professional and political career. Details regarding her parents, siblings, and early childhood remain limited in publicly available sources. She was raised in a family that valued education and civic engagement, traits that informed her trajectory into law and government.

Way settled in Passaic County, where she became active in community affairs and local government. Before entering elected office, she practiced law in New Jersey, building a career as an attorney.[5] Her legal background later became a central element of her public service career, informing her work in county government and her subsequent roles in state administration.

Education

Way attended Brown University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree.[3] She then enrolled at the University of Virginia School of Law, where she obtained her Juris Doctor degree.[3][6] Both institutions are among the most selective in the United States, and Way's educational background in the Ivy League and at a leading public law school provided the foundation for her subsequent legal and governmental career. She was also a member of the New Jersey Highlands Council, reflecting her engagement with state-level policy issues even before her appointment as Secretary of State.[7]

Career

Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders

Way began her career in elected office in 2006 when she joined the Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders (now known as the Board of County Commissioners).[3] She served on the board from July 6, 2006, to January 7, 2010, succeeding Lois Cuccinello.[5] During her time on the board, she also served as its director, a leadership role within county government in New Jersey that involves presiding over board meetings and representing the county in various official capacities.

As a freeholder, Way was involved in the governance and administration of one of New Jersey's most diverse and populous counties. Passaic County encompasses urban centers such as Paterson and suburban communities, and the freeholder board was responsible for county-level budgeting, infrastructure, and public services. Way's tenure on the board gave her experience in local government administration and constituent services that she would later draw upon in her state-level roles.[3]

Way also served as a member of the New Jersey Highlands Council, a state body created to oversee the preservation and planning of the New Jersey Highlands region, a sensitive environmental and water-supply area in the northern part of the state.[7] Her appointment to the council reflected her involvement in environmental and land-use policy at the intersection of local and state government.

Secretary of State of New Jersey

In December 2017, Governor-elect Phil Murphy announced his selection of Way to serve as the 34th Secretary of State of New Jersey.[8] She assumed the office on January 16, 2018, succeeding Kim Guadagno, who had served as both Secretary of State and Lieutenant Governor under Governor Chris Christie.[6]

As Secretary of State, Way served as the chief elections officer of New Jersey, responsible for the administration and oversight of the state's election systems, voter registration, and election security. The role also encompasses responsibilities related to business filings, the regulation of charities, and the promotion of arts and culture through the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and related bodies.[6]

Way's tenure as Secretary of State spanned a consequential period in American elections administration. She oversaw elections during the COVID-19 pandemic, when New Jersey, like many states, expanded mail-in voting and implemented new procedures to ensure safe access to the ballot. Her eight-year tenure in the role made her one of the longer-serving secretaries of state in New Jersey's modern history, and the experience became a central element of her subsequent political identity.[4]

Way served as Secretary of State throughout both terms of the Murphy administration, from January 2018 until January 20, 2026. She was succeeded in the position by Dale Caldwell.[6]

Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey

On September 8, 2023, Governor Phil Murphy selected Way to serve as the 3rd Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey, following the death of Sheila Oliver, who had held the position since 2018.[2][1] Oliver, who had also served as Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, died on August 1, 2023, leaving the lieutenant governorship vacant.

Murphy's appointment of Way to the position was notable in that she simultaneously held the offices of both Secretary of State and Lieutenant Governor, a dual role that had precedent in New Jersey politics — Guadagno had similarly served in both capacities under Christie. The lieutenant governorship in New Jersey is a relatively new office, having been created by a 2005 constitutional amendment and first filled in 2010.[2]

As Lieutenant Governor, Way served as the state's second-highest-ranking executive official and was first in the line of succession to the governorship. She participated in official events on behalf of the administration, including the Governor's Conference on Housing and Economic Development in September 2025.[9]

Way served as Lieutenant Governor until January 20, 2026, the end of the Murphy administration. She was succeeded by Dale Caldwell, who took office under the incoming governor.

Consideration for U.S. Senate Appointment

In 2024, following the conviction of U.S. Senator Robert Menendez on federal corruption charges, Governor Murphy was tasked with appointing a replacement to serve the remainder of Menendez's term. Way was among those considered for the appointment.[10] Murphy ultimately selected George Helmy to fill the vacancy.[11] The consideration reflected Way's standing within Democratic politics in New Jersey and her profile as a potential candidate for higher office.

2026 Congressional Campaign

On December 2, 2025, Way officially launched her campaign for the United States House of Representatives in New Jersey's 11th congressional district, which was the subject of a special election.[4][12] In announcing her candidacy, Way emphasized her eight years as New Jersey's chief elections officer and her experience in state government as qualifications for the seat.[4]

Way's entry into the race drew notable endorsements. The Congressional Black Caucus PAC endorsed her candidacy on the day of her campaign launch, signaling national support from within the Democratic Party.[13] She also received an endorsement from a pro-Israel Democratic group during the campaign.[14]

The special Democratic primary for the 11th congressional district featured a large field of eleven Democratic candidates.[14] The race attracted national attention in part due to fundraising activity by donors associated with pro-Israel political organizations, which became a point of discussion in media coverage of the contest.[15]

Way finished in third place in the special Democratic primary, behind the winner, Analilia Mejia.[16][17] Following her third-place finish, reports in February 2026 indicated that Way was considering a second run against Mejia in the regularly scheduled June primary for the same seat.[17]

Personal Life

Way is married to Charles Way, and the couple has four children.[3] The family resides in New Jersey. Charles Way is a former National Football League player who played fullback for the New York Giants.[8]

Way's career in public service has been conducted alongside her role as a parent and her legal career. She has been involved in community organizations in Passaic County and the broader northern New Jersey region throughout her career.[5]

Recognition

Way's appointment as Secretary of State in 2018 made her a prominent figure in New Jersey state government, and her subsequent elevation to the lieutenant governorship in 2023 further raised her public profile.[2] She has appeared on C-SPAN in connection with her official duties.[18]

Her endorsement by the Congressional Black Caucus PAC during the 2025–2026 congressional campaign reflected recognition of her career in government by national Democratic Party organizations.[13] Way's candidacy also drew editorial commentary from various publications and advocacy groups, with supporters citing her experience as elections officer and lieutenant governor as distinguishing qualifications.[19]

As one of only a handful of African American women to hold statewide executive office in New Jersey, Way's tenure as both Secretary of State and Lieutenant Governor represented a milestone in the state's political history. Her dual service in both roles over the course of the Murphy administration placed her among the most visible members of the governor's cabinet.

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Murphy chooses Tahesha Way as Lt. Governor".New Jersey Globe.https://newjerseyglobe.com/governor/murphy-chooses-tahesha-way-as-lt-governor/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Tahesha Way Named N.J. Lieutenant Governor".The New York Times.2023-09-08.https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/08/nyregion/tahesha-way-nj-lieutenant-governor.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 "Freeholder Tahesha Way Biography".Passaic County, New Jersey.http://www.passaiccountynj.org/freeholders/Freeholder_Bios/taheshaway.htm.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 "Tahesha Way makes formal entrance into NJ-11 race with major endorsements in hand".New Jersey Globe.2025-12-02.https://newjerseyglobe.com/congress/tahesha-way-makes-formal-entrance-into-nj-11-race-with-major-endorsements-in-hand/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "Freeholder Tahesha Way Biography".Passaic County, New Jersey (archived).https://web.archive.org/web/20080412034756/http://www.passaiccountynj.org/freeholders/Freeholder_Bios/taheshaway.htm.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 "Secretary of State Tahesha Way".State of New Jersey.http://www.state.nj.us/state/dos_secretary-way.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Highlands Council Members — Tahesha Way".State of New Jersey.http://www.state.nj.us/njhighlands/about/members/way.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Meet Phil Murphy's pick to be NJ's next secretary of state".NJ.com.2017-12.http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/12/meet_phil_murphys_pick_to_be_njs_next_secretary_of.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  9. ↑ "Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way to Join Governor's Conference on Housing and Economic Development as Distinguished Guest".NJ Department of Community Affairs.2025-09-09.https://www.nj.gov/dca/news/news/2025/20250909.shtml.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  10. ↑ "Robert Menendez Senate Replacement".The New York Times.2024-07-23.https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/23/nyregion/robert-menendez-senate-replacement.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  11. ↑ "Statements on George Helmy's Appointment to the U.S. Senate".New Jersey Globe.https://newjerseyglobe.com/congress/statements-on-george-helmys-appointment-to-the-u-s-senate/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  12. ↑ "Lt. Governor and Secretary of State Tahesha Way Launches Congressional Bid for NJ-11".Insider NJ.2025-12-02.https://www.insidernj.com/lt-governor-and-secretary-of-state-tahesha-way-launches-congressional-bid-for-nj-11/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 "Congressional Black Caucus PAC Endorses Tahesha Way for Congress".Insider NJ.2025-12-02.https://www.insidernj.com/press-release/congressional-black-caucus-pac-endorses-tahesha-way-for-congress/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 "Pro-Israel Democratic group endorses Tahesha Way".New Jersey Globe.https://newjerseyglobe.com/congress/pro-israel-democratic-group-endorses-tahesha-way/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  15. ↑ "AIPAC Donors Fail to Elect Last-Minute New Jersey House Pick".The Intercept.2026-02-04.https://theintercept.com/2026/02/04/aipac-new-jersey-israel-lobby-donors/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  16. ↑ "Analilia Mejia Wins New Jersey Congressional Race".The New York Times.2026-02-12.https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/12/nyregion/analilia-mejia-new-jersey-congress.html.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 "Tahesha Way may run against Analilia Mejia again in June".New Jersey Globe.https://newjerseyglobe.com/congress/tahesha-way-may-run-against-analilia-mejia-again-in-june/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  18. ↑ "Tahesha Way".C-SPAN.https://www.c-span.org/person/?136974.Retrieved 2026-02-24.
  19. ↑ "Tahesha Way is the leader we need in Congress".The Times of Israel.https://blogs.timesofisrael.com/tahesha-way-is-the-leader-we-need-in-congress/.Retrieved 2026-02-24.

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