NJ Senator Ronald Rice Is Retiring; Here’s What Happens Now

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Longtime New Jersey lawmaker and civil rights advocate Ronald Rice, who represents the 28th District in the state Senate, will be retiring at the end of August, reports say.

The longest-serving Black legislator in state history, Rice has reportedly been in ill health this year, which has limited his ability to travel to Trenton or attend community events. The news was first reported by InsiderNJ and confirmed by the New Jersey Globe.

Word of the 76-year-old senator’s upcoming retirement on Aug. 31 elicited words of high praise from several of his peers in the government, including Phil Murphy, Richard Codey, Teresa Ruiz, Nick Scutari, Mila Jasey and Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. (see below).

Rice served on the Newark Police Department for eight years before entering politics. The U.S. Marine Corps veteran holds a master's degree in criminal justice from Rutgers University, and is the chair of the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus. He has served on the Newark City Council, and has been a Democratic County Committee member since 1976. Read more about his achievements and recent bills sponsored here.

Rice, who has served on the Senate for 35 years, was last re-elected to his seat in 2021, overwhelmingly defeating his Republican opponent, Frank Contella.

Recently, Rice has sponsored legislation in the areas of criminal justice, health care, affordable housing, tenant rights, employee rights and education. He's also weighed in about issues such as policing, decrying the prevalence of deadly high-speed car chases, commenting on race relations and advocating for the public use of park space.

Rice went on record in opposition to recreational marijuana legalization before New Jersey voters approved it, but he has been a vocal supporter of decriminalizing cannabis in the name of social justice.

Former governor Sen. Richard Codey (D-27) released a statement in support of his Senate colleague and fellow Democratic Party member. Codey wrote:

“It’s a sad day for me and my family, he is probably my closest friend in the Legislature. We’ve shared many good times and many tough times. In my house, I have a big picture of myself, my wife, and Ron from after I won the race in a new district, which could have tilted either way. We won handily and Ron was there every step of the way. I had a good long conversation with him recently where we reminisced about decades of memories and laughed a lot. I look forward to seeing him again soon as he enters this new chapter. I look forward to working with whoever fills his seat—they will certainly have very big shoes to fill.”

Senate President Nick Scutari (D-22) also issued a statement about Rice’s retirement. He wrote:

“Ron Rice is an accomplished and admired public official who has dedicated much of his life to the service of others. He served our country as a decorated Marine in Vietnam, he served his home City of Newark as a police detective, member of City Council and Deputy Mayor, and he served the residents of his district and the people of New Jersey for 36 years in the Legislature. Ron stood-up and spoke out for what he believed in and fought for the needs of the underprivileged. He left his mark in meaningful and lasting ways.”

Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz referred to Rice as a "trailblazer." She wrote:

“Senator Ronald L. Rice lived his commitment to public service over a lifetime of hard work, sacrifice and dedication to the residents of Newark, his legislative district and the State of New Jersey. He was a trailblazer in so many ways, from his days as a Newark police officer, to his role in Newark City government and his leadership of the Legislative Black Caucus. His service helped open doors of opportunity for others, like myself, and his record of accomplishments will provide lasting benefits for succeeding generations. I will miss having Ron in the Senate. We didn’t always agree on all the issues but we were always united in our efforts to protect the rights of others and to fight for the needs of the disadvantaged. He is a consummate gentleman who was a valued ally in times of challenge. Ron is a man of principle who leaves a legacy of achievement that deserves our respect and appreciation. People will call him a noble public servant, a trailblazer, and a fierce advocate but, at the end of the day, I call Ron a friend.”

Assemblywoman Mila Jasey (D-27) said Rice was previously her own senator years ago. She wrote:

“I had the pleasure of working with Senator Ronald Rice on a daily basis while representing the West Ward years ago, and for a decade he was my own senator. Ron’s first priority has always been serving the people he represents. Essex County and all of New Jersey is much better off thanks to his lifetime of public service. Ron is leaving behind a lasting legacy in the halls of the Statehouse in Trenton. His accomplishments, his vast knowledge of issues facing our communities, and his grit to keep getting into ‘good trouble’ made him an institution in New Jersey politics. We are unlikely to see another public servant like him. You will be missed in Trenton, my friend.”

Gov. Phil Murphy was yet another politician who said he called Rice a "friend." Murphy wrote:

“Ron Rice will leave the state Senate as one of its most transformational members, a true maverick whose legacy of legislative successes will stand clearly on its own. He understood that public office is not about doing what’s best for individual politics or promotion but what’s right for the people we serve. He forced his fellow legislators – and to be sure, governors – to confront uncomfortable truths and wasn’t afraid to be a lone voice of dissent if he believed such dissent shined a light on injustice. In doing so, he made us all better at our jobs. While I have no doubt Ron will continue to advocate forcefully for social justice and the betterment of every community of color so long as he is able, his resignation leaves a huge void in the Legislature that will be hard to fill. I will always be proud to have called him my partner, but even prouder to call him my friend.”

Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. also praised Rice’s contributions to the community. He wrote:

“As an Army veteran, Newark councilman and state senator, Ron Rice always fought for what he believed. I’ve known Ron for over 50 years, and two things have been consistent: he’s always been a staunch advocate for his constituents and the city he loves, and you always knew where he stood on an issue. From working together on recreation programs when we were both younger to tackling issues throughout the years that affected Newark and Essex County, I always have appreciated his candor, energy and insight,” DiVincenzo said. “Ron is a unique individual and the void created by his retirement will be difficult to fill.”

It wasn't only Democrats who praised Rice upon hearing of his retirement.

Sen. Robert Singer, the senior member of the Senate Republican caucus, said Rice's departure will leave an "enormous void." He added:

"I shared time with him on the Senate Health Committee where we became friends who didn’t always agree but always respected the other’s opinions. A tenacious fighter for what he believed in, and a tireless advocate for the people he loved in his Legislative District, he will be impossible to replace in the chamber, and a model for all senators to aspire to. Senator Rice and I formed a strong bond as we fought to improve housing options and the quality and accessibility to services for homeless New Jerseyans, and to better serve the needs of urban municipalities. As my friend steps away from the State House, I will continue to draw inspiration from our shared passions.”

WHAT HAPPENS NOW?

The senator’s retirement triggers a special election in November to fill the remaining 13 months of his current term. But first, Democratic county committee members in the 28th district will hold a special election convention to temporarily fill his seat, the New Jersey Globe reported.

The recently redistricted 28th District includes the following municipalities: Irvington, Maplewood, Newark and South Orange in Essex County; and Hillside in Union County.

However, either of the two above elections would be run under the boundaries of the old map established in 2011, the New Jersey Globe reported. That map included the following municipalities: Bloomfield, Glen Ridge, Irvington, Newark and Nutley.

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