New Jersey Congressman Chris Smith, who represents Lakewood and other nearby townships, will tie former House Speaker John W. McCormack’s record of 42 years and 58 days in the U.S. House of Representatives today, moving him into 15th place on the list of longest uninterrupted service.
Tomorrow, Smith will surpass McCormack’s tenure, moving him to 14th place on the all-time list, alongside Kentucky Republican Hal Rogers.
McCormack, who served from 1928 until his retirement in 1971, held a variety of roles, including nine years as Speaker of the House, seven as Majority Leader, and four as Minority Whip.
Smith is set to pass the service records of Florida Republican Bill Young and Democrat Mel Price in October and next year, respectively.
At 69 years old, Smith is the longest-serving congressman in New Jersey history and is the second-ranking member of the House, with a clear path to becoming Dean of the House due to his seniority.
Despite his long tenure, four members of the New Jersey House delegation are still younger than Smith, who was first elected when he was just 27 years old.