Acting Gov. Nicholas Scutari ordered New Jersey and U.S. flags to fly at half-staff on Tuesday, October 13, to honor former Senate President Pro Tempore Sandra Bolden Cunningham, who died Wednesday after a lengthy illness.  She was 76.

Scutari, who served alongside Cunningham in the State Senate for sixteen years, signed the executive order Friday while serving as acting governor during Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s absence from New Jersey.  Sherrill is expected to return to the state tonight.

Cunningham, a Jersey City Democrat, served in the Senate from 2007 until her retirement in 2024.

During her legislative career, Cunningham held several leadership positions, including majority whip, deputy majority leader, and Senate president pro tempore.  She also chaired the Senate Higher Education Committee.

A champion of criminal justice reform, Cunningham helped enact New Jersey’s ban-the-box law, expanded expungement opportunities, and fought to restore voting rights to people on parole and probation.

She also advocated for affordable higher education and helped provide scholarships to students through the Sandra and Glenn Cunningham Foundation.

Scutari’s executive order directs flags at all state government buildings and agencies to be lowered in recognition of Cunningham’s public service and contributions to New Jersey.