New Jersey Democrats Elect New Leaders

State lawmakers in New Jersey have elected new leaders, ending Richard Codey's eight-year run as Senate president.

Sen. Steve Sweeney, a Democrat of South Jersey, defeated Codey to become the Senate president for the 214th Legislature, which runs from 2010-2011. Sen. Barbara Buono, Democrat of Middlesex County, will become Senate majority leader.

Assemblywoman Sheila Oliver, a Democrat of East Orange, will become the first African-American woman to be Assembly speaker. Assemblyman Joe Cryan, Democrat of Union, will become Assembly majority leader.

After the vote, Codey released a statement congratulating the winners.

"We have a lot of extraordinary challenges that lie ahead and I look forward to working cooperatively with the new leadership to help tackle the pressing problems facing our state," Codey said. "It's been a great honor to serve as the leader of the Senate Democratic Majority for the past eight years. This has, without question, been one of the greatest experiences of my life and I'm proud of the many progressive accomplishments we have made on behalf of the residents of New Jersey."

As Senate president, Codey has assumed the duties of governor numerous times, most notably for 14 months following the resignation of Jim McGreevey.

Republican Chris Christie will be sworn in as governor in January. Also taking office will be Kimberly Guadagno as lieutenant governor, a new position.