New Jersey Senate President Nick Scutari now holds the power of the governorship in his hands as he stands in for Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who has been hospitalized at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center and is “unable to discharge the duties of Acting Governor at this time,” according to her office.
No information was provided as to why the 71-year-old Oliver – who has suffered from various medical ailments for decades – was hospitalized. Murphy communications director Mahen Gunaratna said updates will be provided as they become available.
Governor Murphy gave no indication as to the seriousness of the issue, tweeting simply, “Wishing my partner in government a speedy recovery.”
Oliver had been serving as Acting Governor since Friday, with Gov. Phil Murphy being out of the state until the end of August as he vacations the summer away at his estate in Italy.