Ronald Rice, the Newark native who was often referred to as the conscience of the State Senate for his work on social justice and racial equality, passed away at the age of 77 March 15.
The longest-serving Black legislator in state history who resigned from his State Senate seat on Aug. 31, 2022, the retired Newark police officer was a leading advocate for social justice and civil rights in the Garden State. Rice said it has been “the honor of my life” to serve the 28th Legislative District for the last 35 years and to chair the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus, which he founded, for 18 years.
Rice entered politics in 1981, winning a Newark City Council seat to represent the West Ward. A veteran of the Vietnam War, he was re-elected three times and spent sixteen years on the council, giving up his council seat to run for mayor in 1998. Sharpe James would win a third term by a 56%-27% margin over Rice, with Mildred Crump finishing third with 17% of the vote.
Following James’ retirement, Rice ran for mayor in 2006, but lost to Cory Booker by a 72%-23% in a four-candidate race. Rice was elected to the State Senate in a 1986 special election following the death of John P. Caufield and re-elected eleven times.
Following are remembrances from North Jersey lawmakers and other state leaders.
Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter (D-35),Chair of the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus
“My heart is heavy today having learned of the passing of Senator Ronald L. Rice. He will be greatly missed. The guidance and support Senator Rice offered during his lifetime to his friends and fellow legislators was immeasurable. His advocacy to uplift women in politics as well as his unwavering mission to fight for our communities will always be remembered. I am thankful that we were able to put together the Day Gala celebration and established the endowed scholarship at Rutgers University-Newark while he was still with us. We will continue to stand in his legacy of justice and fairness for all in this state. His work is now our work as the Legislative Black Caucus. His legacy will live on. We extend our sincere condolences and lift his family and friends in prayer.”
State Sen. Gov. Richard J. Codey (D-27)
“I am extremely saddened by the loss of Senator Ronald Rice, who was a dear friend. Whether it was his community, city, county, state, or even his country, he dedicated his life and career to service. Senator Rice went above and beyond to represent those he served by giving a thousand percent to fight for social justice and racial equality. He always had my back. When I was redistricted into the Essex County suburbs 20 years ago, Senator Rice helped me knock on doors in support of my campaign. He will be missed by all. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”
Gov. Phil Murphy
“Tammy and I are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Senator Ron Rice, the longest-serving Black legislator in New Jersey history. For over 36 years in the New Jersey Senate, Senator Rice served as a fearless and passionate advocate for his constituents and a powerful champion for social justice with a record of transformational legislative successes. Prior to his work in government, Senator Rice’s career of service began as a Marine in the Vietnam War and a City of Newark police officer.
“Born in the Jim Crow-era South, Senator Rice never hesitated to speak out when he saw injustice, nor did he back down from a challenge. His legacy and example will continue to inspire this administration and all of New Jersey’s leaders to work toward racial equity and expand opportunity for underserved communities.
Sen. Cory Booker
“Newark and New Jersey have lost a true champion, someone who fought for the people. Whatever titles he held, Senator Rice was a man who prided himself on his Newark roots and lived life in accordance with his values of fairness, equality, justice, and redemption.
“I will always treasure the many lessons I learned from him. So many of us are better leaders and citizens because of his service and his example. Few Newark leaders leave a legacy in public service as profound as his.
“My heart is heavy for his family and the countless people whom he touched. May we honor his life by rededicating ourselves to the fight for compassion, equality, and the ideals Senator Rice lived by.”
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka
All of Newark is saddened to learn of the passing of former State Senator, Deputy Mayor, and Municipal Council Member Ronald L. Rice today.
“Ronald Rice wore many hats with distinction in a career of public service that lasted more than four decades – Newark Police Detective, first African-American to hold a West Ward Council seat, Deputy Mayor, first African-American to hold elected office in both state and local government. Known as the ‘Lion of the Legislature,’ he served as State Senator for 36 years, 18 of them as chair of the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus. He was one of my great advisers and mentors.
“In Trenton, he was both warrior and diplomat – fervent in his fight for the needs of our residents, and their quality of life. He was unwavering in his conviction that America will attain its highest ideals of liberty and justice and his sights were laser-focused on the long game of racial equality. He championed the discarded and disenfranchised and uplifted women, seniors, and children. He offered leadership and guidance to colleagues and constituents, and mentored many active and aspiring leaders throughout the state.
“Ron Rice was always there for Newark when we needed him, and we thank him for his immense commitment to public service and hard work. I know that all of Newark joins me in gratitude for his life, mourning his loss, and extending our prayers and condolences to the Rice family.”
State Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz (D-29)
“Today we lost a giant, a man who 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. As we remember Senator Rice, it is my hope that his loved ones can take comfort in the legacy he leaves behind as a trailblazer, a fierce advocate and above all else, a friend.”
State Senate President Nicholas Scutari (D-22)
“I am terribly saddened at the passing of Ron Rice. He was an accomplished and respected man who dedicated his life to the service of others. He served our country as a decorated Marine in Vietnam, his home City of Newark as a police detective, member of City Council and Deputy Mayor, and the residents of his legislative district and the people of New Jersey in a distinguished career in the Senate. Ron was a fearless man who stood up for his beliefs and fought tirelessly for civil rights and social justice. As the longest serving African-American member of the Legislature and founding leader of the Legislative Black Caucus, he left his mark in meaningful and lasting ways. I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to the Rice family in their time of loss.”
Sen. Bob Menendez
“Throughout history, few Americans have been able bend the moral arc of the universe towards justice, however, as evidenced by his numerous accomplishments, former New Jersey State Senator Ronald Rice was one of those Americans. Born under the crushing yoke of racism in the Jim Crow South, Sen. Rice drew from his experiences to advocate for the underprivileged and the underserved. In Trenton, he rightfully earned his reputation as a maverick because of his unyielding commitment to never compromise his fiercely-held convictions. I was proud to recognize his long service to our state at our Black History Month Celebration earlier this year.
“Whether as a Vietnam veteran of the United States Marine Corps, as a local law enforcement officer, as a Newark City Councilmember representing the West Ward, or as the longest-serving Black member of the New Jersey Legislature, Ronald Rice was a force to be reckoned with. Nadine and I join our entire state in mourning his passing and sending our condolences his children Ronald and Yuki, and to the vast number of New Jerseyans whose lives he touched.”
State Senate Minority Leader Steve Oroho (R-24)
“I am saddened to learn of the passing of Senator Rice. He was a fierce advocate for his constituents and a colleague who was deeply respected on both sides of the aisle. When he believed you were doing the right thing, he would forget about party and lend his support. I can’t think of anyone who was better at speaking from the heart on the Senate floor than Ron. His passionate voice and his presence in our chamber will be sorely missed. On behalf of Senate Republicans, I offer our deepest condolences to Ron’s family and to all who knew and loved him.”
Assemblyman Kevin Rooney (R-40)
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Senator Ronald Rice, a determined and dedicated public servant who devoted his life to helping his constituents and New Jerseyans across the state. Senator Rice served our great nation in Vietnam in the United States Marine Corps, served his community as a police officer and detective in the City of Newark, and served his constituents as a Senator with the utmost integrity and responsiveness. Few, if any, of my colleagues in my time in the Legislature can match Senator Rice’s commitment to helping his fellow man. He had the fortitude to stand up to political machines and keep the power in the hands of the voters. I extend my deepest condolences to the Rice family and will fondly remember a true role model for all public servants.”
Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin (D-19)
“Senator Ronald Rice was a fierce advocate, a principled leader, and a dedicated public servant. His decades of service to his country and community were unparalleled in the Legislature. We will all cherish the lessons we have learned from our time with him. Rest assured his legacy will endure in our state for generations to come. My sincere condolences and prayers to his family and friends during this time of grief.”
Rep. Josh Gottheimer
“New Jersey will greatly miss Senator Ronald Rice, a Jersey treasure, who served both our state and our nation with great distinction — from the armed forces and law enforcement, to his years as the longest serving Black legislator in New Jersey.“Senator Rice dedicated his life to civil rights and to give back, and made Jersey a better place. He was gift to our state. We send our love to the Rice family.”
State Sen. Anthony Bucco (R-25)
“Many people don’t know that Senator Rice and my late father were very close. I learned from my dad that Ron was a gentleman and someone you could trust. He didn’t care if you were a Republican or a Democrat. If you were doing something good, he was always there to help. I learned that firsthand over and over again in our time working together in the Legislature. Ron was one of a kind, and he will be missed.”
New Jersey Democratic State Chairman LeRoy Jones, Jr.
“I am saddened to hear of the passing of a true legend of our state in former State Senator Ron Rice, and on behalf of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee, I offer my sincere condolences and prayers to his family, friends and constituents. I have known Ron Rice for many years and had the honor of serving alongside him in the state legislature, where I saw his steadfast commitment to the City of Newark and his Senate district up close. Senator Rice always spoke his mind, fought for the principles he believed in and refused to back down. But at the same time he was a gentleman who, regardless of whether or not he disagreed on a public policy issue, always maintained friendships and cordial relationships with everyone he encountered. Those values made him one of the most influential elected officials in New Jersey history and someone who will be remembered as a tireless fighter for social justice and progress. The City of Newark, the County of Essex, the State of New Jersey, and even the nation itself are better for Senator Ron Rice’s many contributions as an elected official, a veteran, a police officer, a community leader, a family man and a friend. I will miss him very much.”
Former Senate President Steve Sweeney
“A titan for civil rights, former Senator Ron Rice was a true public servant. He was fearless and relentless in his advocacy for his community, his district and the underserved people of New Jersey. We may not have always agreed but Ron’s conviction and integrity could never be questioned. He put the people he served first. He believed in the power of good government to make people’s lives better. He fought for equality and justice his entire life. He was a formidable colleague and he will be missed. Rest in peace Senator.”
GOP 2021 Gubernatorial Nominee Jack Ciattarelli
“Senator Ron Rice epitomized leadership. A military veteran, he was a man that lent his voice & influence to many causes in New Jersey and around the country. He served his community with distinction and pride. It was an honor to have served with him in the New Jersey legislature.”
Newark Council President LaMonica R. McIver
“Newark deeply mourns the passing of former State Senator, Deputy Mayor, and Newark Municipal Council Member Ronald L. Rice today.
“Ronald Rice was a true trail blazer! A warrior fighter for the people he served. With a decorative career and a dedicated lifetime of public service from a Newark Police Office and Detective, first African-American to hold a West Ward Council seat, Deputy Mayor, and NJ State Senator. He broke many barriers at the local and state government level. He was indeed one of my favorite public servants. He always lifted young leaders like myself up and was not afraid to offer advice and more importantly guidance and mentorship. He always spoke truth to power in any room.
On behalf of the Newark Municipal Council and all of Newark, we thank him and the entire Rice Family for his unwavering love and service to the City of Newark and the entire State of New Jersey. We extend our deepest condolences and prayers to the Rice family, friends, and loved ones.
Essex County Sheriff Armando B. Fontoura
“I had the honor and privilege to work alongside then Det. Rice in the Newark Police Department. Ron was a no nonsense, straight shooting, great street cop. I had the continued privilege of witnessing Ron Rice carry that same approach to the world of politics. Ron’s departure from the Newark Police Department for political service was their loss but the people of NJ’s gain. Ron was a tireless advocate for the people of NJ, especially those in need. Once elected Sheriff, I would hear more from Ron to advocate for his constituents than all the other elected officials combined.
Ron will be sorely missed as an advocate, legislator, and friend.”
Essex County Commissioner Patricia Sebold
“Our unbelievable Senator Ron Rice left us today. Senator Rice was a remarkable individual. He always stood up and spoke about what he believed, whether people agreed with him or not. He always campaigned for the correct approach no matter what. He was a true legacy and will be missed by so many people.”
I liked this legislator; he was a tough negotiator.