In a wide-ranging exit interview, outgoing Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way described her eight-year tenure as New Jersey Secretary of State and more than two years as Lieutenant Governor as “one of the most distinct honors of my lifetime,” insisting she leaves office with “never…a single regret” and a deep pride in the work she led as both lieutenant governor and New Jersey’s chief election officer.
Way, who did not discuss her bid for the Democratic nomination for Congress in the 11th district special primary election next month, said her legacy centers on elevating residents’ voices and strengthening the state’s democracy.
“I see my legacy as lieutenant governor as being able to put people — and their voices, their opportunities — first,” she said.
Prior to leaving office on Tuesday, Gov. Phil Murphy repeatedly praised Way. In his State of the State address a week ago, he said that thanks to her, “New Jersey’s democracy is stronger and more secure than ever before.”
On stepping into the role amid tragedy
Way acknowledged the difficult circumstances under which she was appointed after the sudden death of Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver in August 2023, but said she remains grateful she accepted the job.
“This is one of the most distinct honors of my lifetime, besides becoming a mom of four,” she said. “There has never been a single regret. The people of New Jersey are just the best people you would want to serve, and no regrets here for me.”
On governing, executive orders, and children’s mental health
Way highlighted the approximately 40 executive orders and bills she signed when serving as Acting Governor, singling out youth mental health initiatives.
“As a mom, I always take the mental health and overall health of our kids to heart,” she said, calling the expansion of the Madison Holleran Suicide Prevention Act “significant and important.” She also pointed to her work on universal pre-K and the creation of more than 40,000 new seats across the state.
On the value of the lieutenant governorship
Way said she believes New Jersey voters were right to create the office in 2005.
“I believe it, 100%,” Way stated. “If emergencies happen…that’s where your lieutenant governor can step up. For me, I really was always laser-focused on ensuring the safety needs of our New Jerseyans.”
On building the state’s first all-mail election in 2020
Way described the chaotic spring of 2020 as she was tasked with creating New Jersey’s first vote-by-mail general election that was forced by a global health pandemic.
“Initially…there were naysayers,” Way said. “The one thing that I’ve always done is make certain that myself, my team, are always connected with other states.”
To lend credibility, she sought guidance from both a Republican-run and Democratic-run mail-voting state. “I never wanted anyone to question integrity here,” she said.
The effort required 6 a.m. calls, late-night legal scrambles, protective equipment, a surge in ballot drop boxes, and nonstop coordination with county officials.
“None of us were going to let this deter us,” said Way. “Even if there’s a challenge…there’s always going to be this silver lining.”
On modernizing elections and expanding access
Way said she takes pride in how New Jersey voters embraced both early voting and mail-in balloting.
“It has been a wonderful, and I should say blessed, experience being able to ensure that there are free, fair elections,” the former lieutenant governor and secretary of state said.
She pointed to the creation of vote.nj.gov, online ballot-tracking, and a redesigned voter-education effort: “I love the fact that people can, online, not just register, but verify… I do want you to be an informed voter.”
On misinformation and declining trust
Way said she is concerned about misinformation and the weakening media landscape.
“That’s why my team and I doubled down on vote.nj.gov,” Way said, stressing the need to counter falsehoods “that may be out there.”
She also warned that federal support for election cybersecurity appears to be slipping.
“There may be more of a decline in partnership with the federal government and resources,” she said, recalling “early morning bomb threats” during the 2025 election.
On whether New Jersey should elect its Secretary of State
Way declined to take a position on whether New Jersey, like other states, has the direct election of a Secretary of State – this has never been an issue in modern gubernatorial campaigns — but emphasized her own commitment to neutrality.
“I should just present elections…because the last thing I ever wanted was for anyone to ever have any credible reason to question” the integrity of the system, stated Way.
On tourism, arts, and small business
Way said the Department of State — “one of the smallest…but the mightiest” — leaves behind major economic gains.
She cited a record $50 billion visitor spend, rising arts-sector job numbers, and strong support for small businesses through the Business Action Center, said Way. “It’s one of the mightiest departments that anyone can lead.”
On her love of history — and dinosaurs
Asked whether she sneaks off to explore the State Museum, Way didn’t hesitate.
“My favorite place in the museum was always, and will always be, the dinosaur exhibit,” she said.
On her letter to Lt. Governor/Secretary of State Dale Caldwell
Way confirmed she left two letters for Dale Caldwell — one for the next Secretary of State and one for the next Lieutenant Governor — but kept the contents private.
“These are two privileged and blessed jobs that one must carry in their hands,” she said. “And I would just leave it as that.”
