{{Short description|American politician (1937–2022)}} {{Use American English|date=March 2025}} {{Use mdy dates|date=March 2025}} {{Infobox officeholder | name = James Florio | image = Jamesflorio.jpg | caption = | order = 49th | office = Governor of New Jersey | term_start = January 16, 1990 | term_end = January 18, 1994 | predecessor = Thomas Kean | successor = Christine Todd Whitman | state1 = New Jersey | district1 = {{ushr|NJ|1|1st}} | term_start1 = January 3, 1975 | term_end1 = January 16, 1990 | predecessor1 = John E. Hunt | successor1 = Rob Andrews | office2 = Member of the New Jersey General Assembly | alongside2 = John J. Horn (1970–1974), {{avoid wrap|Ernest F. Schuck (1974–1975)}} | term_start2 = January 13, 1970 | term_end2 = January 3, 1975 | predecessor2 = Lee B. Laskin | successor2 = Ronald Casella | constituency2 = {{ubl|3rd district (1970–1974)|5th district (1974–1975)}} | birth_name = James Joseph Florio | birth_date = {{birth date|1937|8|29}} | birth_place = New York City, New York, U.S. | death_date = {{nowrap|{{death date and age|2022|9|25|1937|8|29}}}} | death_place = Voorhees, New Jersey, U.S. | party = Democratic | spouse = {{Plainlist| *{{marriage|Maryanne Spaeth|1960|1985|end=div}} *{{marriage|Lucinda Coleman|1988}} }} | children = 3 | education = {{ubl|Trenton State College (BA)|Columbia University|Rutgers University, Camden (JD)}} | allegiance = <!-- United States; obvious --> | branch = {{flag|United States Navy}} | service_years = 1955–1975 | rank = Lieutenant commander }} '''James Joseph Florio''' (August 29, 1937 – September 25, 2022) was an American lawyer and politician who served as the 49th governor of New Jersey from 1990 to 1994. He was previously the U.S. representative for New Jersey's 1st congressional district from 1975 to 1990 and served in the New Jersey General Assembly from 1970 to 1975. He was a member of the Democratic Party.

==Early life and education== Florio was born in Brooklyn, New York, on August 29, 1937.<ref name="dustin" /> Florio was one of three children (all sons) born to Lillian Ellen (née Hazell) Florio (June 18, 1917 – May 2, 2000) and Vincenzo [later Vincent Joseph] Florio (May 12, 1914 – April 7, 1994), who wed in 1936. Florio and his brothers were raised in Brooklyn. His father was of Italian descent and his mother was of Scottish, Irish, and German descent.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/05/20/magazine/read-his-lips-more-taxes.html&src=pm|work=The New York Times|first=Peter|last=Kerr|title=READ HIS LIPS: MORE TAXES|date=May 20, 1990}}</ref> Florio's father was a shipyard painter<ref name = Fried /> who also used his poker winnings to help support his family.<ref name="dustin" /> Florio attended Erasmus Hall High School in Flatbush.<ref>Boyer, David. [https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F04EED8143AF932A25750C0A9679C8B63 "NEIGHBORHOOD REPORT: FLATBUSH; Grads Hail Erasmus as It Enters a Fourth Century"], ''The New York Times'', March 11, 2001. Accessed December 1, 2007.</ref> He dropped out of high school following his junior year, joined the U.S. Navy, became a weatherman,<ref name="dustin">{{cite news|url=https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/politics/2022/09/26/jim-florio-obituary-former-nj-governor/69518488007/|title=Former Gov. James Florio, Democrat whose tax decision led to voter revolt, dies at 85 |website=NorthJersey.com |last=Racioppi |first=Dustin|date=September 26, 2022}}</ref> and earned a high school equivalency degree.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.courierpostonline.com/story/news/local/south-jersey/2022/09/26/james-florio-nj-south-jersey-death-donald-norcross/69519043007/ |title=South Jersey officials react to death of former New Jersey governor Jim Florio |newspaper=Cherry Hill Courier-Post |last1=Comegno |first1=Carol |last2=Walsh |first2=Jim |date=September 26, 2022}}</ref>

Florio received a Bachelor of Arts in social studies from Trenton State College in 1962 and started graduate studies in public law and government at Columbia University on a Woodrow Wilson Fellowship before earning a Juris Doctor from Rutgers School of Law–Camden in 1967.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nga.org/governor/jim-florio/ |title=Jim Florio |publisher=National Governors Association |website=Nga.org |date= January 19, 2010|accessdate=2022-09-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url = https://apnews.com/article/business-new-jersey-legislature-obituaries-congress-b4102b81ba8b589090770fa881729b45|title = Former NJ governor, US Rep. James Florio dies at 85|last = Shipkowski|first = Bruce|work = Associated Press News|date = September 26, 2022|accessdate = September 26, 2022}}</ref>

==Career== After graduating from law school, Florio volunteered to work for the Democratic Party and was mentored by past Camden Mayor Angelo Errichetti. Florio was an amateur boxer. He served as an enlisted member of the United States Navy from 1955 to 1958 and continued to serve in the United States Naval Reserve as a commissioned officer until 1975, ultimately achieving the rank of lieutenant commander.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/347480830/?terms=%22james%20florio%22%20boxer&match=1 |title=2 Jul 1990, 2|work=The Post-Star|via=Newspapers.com |date=1990-07-02 |accessdate=2022-09-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/254907494/?terms=%22james%20florio%22%20%22lieutenant%20commander%22&match=1 |title=5 Jun 1989, Page 2|work=Daily Record|via=Newspapers.com |date=1989-06-05 |accessdate=2022-09-26}}</ref> After being admitted to the bar, he became the assistant city attorney for the City of Camden, a position he would hold until 1971. He was the borough solicitor for the New Jersey towns of Runnemede, Woodlynne, and Somerdale from 1969 to 1974.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/181377790/?terms=%22james%20florio%22%20woodlynne%20%22%20borough%20solicitor%22&match=1 |title=12 Aug 1971, Page 5|work=Courier-Post|via=Newspapers.com |date=1971-08-12 |accessdate=2022-09-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/180929931/?terms=%22james%20florio%22%20%22%20borough%20solicitor%22&match=1 |title=3 Jan 1972, Page 15|work=Courier-Post|via=Newspapers.com |date=1972-01-03 |accessdate=2022-09-26}}</ref>

===New Jersey General Assembly=== In both 1969 and 1971, Florio was elected to represent the 3rd Legislative District in the New Jersey General Assembly, covering portions of Camden County, each time with Democratic running mate John J. Horn, whom Florio had served as a legislative aide while he was still in law school.<ref name=1969Results>[http://www.njelections.org/1920-1970-results/1969-general-election.pdf Results of the General Election Held on November 4, 1969] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707000320/http://www.njelections.org/1920-1970-results/1969-general-election.pdf |date=July 7, 2015 }}, Secretary of State of New Jersey. Accessed October 9, 2016.</ref><ref name=1971Results>[http://www.njelections.org/1920-1970-results/1971-general-election.pdf Results of the General Election Held on November 2, 1971] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706231816/http://www.njelections.org/1920-1970-results/1971-general-election.pdf |date=July 6, 2015 }}, Secretary of State of New Jersey. Accessed October 9, 2016.</ref> He was elected in 1973, together with Ernest F. Schuck, to represent the 5th Legislative District in the General Assembly, which covered portions of Camden County and Gloucester County.<ref name=1973results>[http://nj.gov/state/elections/1920-1970-results/1973-general-election.pdf Results of the General Election Held November 6, 1973] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304203223/http://nj.gov/state/elections/1920-1970-results/1973-general-election.pdf |date=March 4, 2016 }}, Secretary of State of New Jersey. Accessed October 9, 2016.</ref> In 1975, Florio resigned after being elected to the U.S House of Representatives.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.insidernj.com/former-governor-jim-florio-has-died/|title=Former Governor Jim Florio has Died|date=September 26, 2022|website=Insider NJ}}</ref>

===U.S. Representative=== thumb|right|upright=1.05|Florio's congressional portrait, 1983 [[File:President Ronald Reagan During The Signing Ceremony for Proclamation 5149 "National Tourism Week" in The East Room with John Warner Robert Badham Dale Bumpers and James Florio - DPLA - 64eb3ea32e66b54e87ddf26634248857.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.05|Florio at the White House with President Ronald Reagan in 1984]] In November 1974, Florio was elected to the United States House of Representatives from New Jersey's 1st congressional district, defeating incumbent John E. Hunt.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/180208849/?terms=%22james%20florio%22&match=1 |title=6 Nov 1974, Page 8|work=Courier-Post|via=Newspapers.com |date=1974-11-06 |accessdate=2022-09-26}}</ref> He served in the House from January 3, 1975, until January 16, 1990, when he resigned to serve as governor of New Jersey.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/317945809/?terms=%22james%20florio%22%20resign&match=1 |title=17 Jan 1990, 8|work=The Central New Jersey Home News|via=Newspapers.com |date=1990-01-17 |accessdate=2022-09-26}}</ref>

In Congress, Florio authored the Superfund legislation to clean up the most polluted sites in the country in 1980.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/276048299/?terms=%22james%20florio%22%20superfund&match=1 |title=9 Aug 1984, 16|work=The Morning Call|via=Newspapers.com |date=1984-08-09 |accessdate=2022-09-26}}</ref> He was the author of the Railroad Deregulation Law which saved the nation's freight railroads, including Conrail.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/621770414/?terms=%22james%20florio%22%20%22railroad%20deregulation%22&match=1 |title=25 Sep 1980, 57|work=The Sacramento Bee|via=Newspapers.com |date=1980-09-25 |accessdate=2022-09-26}}</ref> He was also cosponsor of the Exon-Florio Amendment, which created the Treasury Department's Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/148133399/?terms=%22james%20florio%22%20exon-florio&match=1 |title=5 Sep 1989, Page 54|work=Asbury Park Press|via=Newspapers.com |date=1989-09-05 |accessdate=2022-09-26}}</ref> This legislation was a factor in the Dubai Ports World controversy in 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/289137656/?terms=dubai%20exon-florio&match=1 |title=24 May 2006, 6|work=The Newark Advocate|via=Newspapers.com |date=2006-05-24 |accessdate=2022-09-26}}</ref> As Congressman, Florio was a key supporter in gaining federal funds to refurbish rail tracks and stations along what would become the Atlantic City Line. This saw Amtrak service to Atlantic City begin in 1989, and NJTransit service across South Jersey in 1990.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://pressofatlanticcity.com/article_e6f029b4-299a-11e4-a9cb-0019bb2963f4.html |newspaper=The Press of Atlantic City |title=First Gamblers' Express train arrives at new A.C. railroad station |first=Donald |last=Wittkowski |date=May 22, 1989 }}</ref>

===Unsuccessful gubernatorial candidacies=== {{Further|1977 New Jersey gubernatorial election|1981 New Jersey gubernatorial election|}} While in Congress, Florio ran for Governor of New Jersey in 1977,<ref name="state1977">{{cite web|url=https://nj.gov/state/elections/assets/pdf/election-results/1920-1970//1977-primary-election.pdf |title=Results of the Primary Election Held June 7, 1977 |publisher=Secretary of State of New Jersey |year=1977 |access-date=August 28, 2023}}</ref> 1981,<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://www.nj.com/news/2021/11/the-tightest-governors-race-in-nj-history-came-down-to-1797-votes-will-this-race-be-closer.html|title=The tightest N.J. governor's race ever came down to 1,797 votes. Will Murphy-Ciattarelli be closer?|last=Mueller |first=Karin Price |date=November 3, 2021|website=NJ.com}}</ref> and 1989. Florio was defeated by incumbent Democrat Brendan Byrne in 1977. In 1981, he won the Democratic nomination, but then lost a controversial general election to Thomas Kean. The involvement of the Republican National Committee in the 1981 general election received significant subsequent attention, with the RNC accused of having created a Ballot Security Task Force made up of off-duty police officers to engage in voter suppression.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F0CE6D91638F932A25752C1A965958260|title=Florio's Defeat Revives Memories of G.O.P. Activities in 1981|date=1993-11-13|access-date=2008-10-07|last=Sullivan|first=Joseph F.|work=New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7TPEJNAIP4EC|title=The Politics of Deceit: Saving Freedom and Democracy from Extinction|last=Smith|first=Glenn W.|year=2004|publisher=John Wiley and Sons|access-date=2008-10-07|isbn=0-471-66763-3|page=124}}</ref><ref name="max">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0zwTAAAAIAAJ|title=Maximizing Voter Choice|author=United States Congress|author-link=United States Congress|publisher=Library of Congress|page=65|date=2004-10-05|isbn=9780160741685|access-date=2008-10-07}}</ref> The 1981 gubernatorial general election was the closest in New Jersey history, and the outcome of the election was not decided with certainty until several weeks after Election Day.<ref name="auto"/>

===Governorship=== {{Further|1989 New Jersey gubernatorial election}} In the 1989 New Jersey gubernatorial election, Florio won both the nomination and the general election.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/03/03/nyregion/courter-won-t-run-for-house-again.html|title=Courter Won't Run for House Again |newspaper=The New York Times |last=DePalma |first=Anthony |date=March 3, 1990}}</ref> During his campaign, Florio said: "You can write this statement down: 'Florio feels there is no need for new taxes'".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/columnists/mike-kelly/2018/05/11/jim-florios-message-phil-murphy-raise-taxes-just-do/601214002/|title=Former NJ Gov. Jim Florio's message to Gov. Phil Murphy on raising taxes: Just do it |website=NorthJersey.com |last=Kelly |first=Mike |date=May 11, 2018}}</ref> Florio defeated Republican Jim Courter with 61% of the vote,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/182643597/?terms=%22james%20florio%22%20%22Jim%20Courter%22&match=1 |title=8 Nov 1989, Page 1 |newspaper= Courier-Post |via=Newspapers.com |date=1989-11-08 |accessdate=2022-09-28}}</ref> becoming the first American of Italian descent to become Governor of New Jersey.<ref name="CBS-obit">{{cite web |first1=Tony |last1=Aiello |date= September 26, 2022 | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/former-new-jersey-gov-jim-florio-dies-at-the-age-of-85/ | title=Former New Jersey Gov. Jim Florio dies at the age of 85 | website=CBS News |quote= New Jersey is remembering its first Italian-American governor, Jim Florio, who died Sunday at age 85.}}</ref>

Florio took office during the late 1980s recession and thus faced a budget deficit. Also, Florio wished to increase education aid to New Jersey's low-wealth school districts. Faced with a projected 1991 deficit of $3&nbsp;billion, Florio asked for a $2.8&nbsp;billion tax increase, most in the way of a sales tax increase and an increase in the state excise taxes on various goods.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/07/23/nyregion/florio-faces-growing-anti-tax-storm-in-new-jersey.html|title=Florio Faces Growing Anti-Tax Storm in New Jersey|first=Wayne|last=King|newspaper=The New York Times |date=July 23, 1990}}</ref> Florio signed the tax package into law in June 1990. It was the largest state tax increase in the history of the United States.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/politics/1990/09/06/florios-initiatives-taxing-in-new-jersey/5c4b4f83-315c-4767-93d8-8499a49464a3/|title=Florio's Initiatives Taxing in New Jersey|newspaper=Washington Post |date=September 6, 1990|last=Specter |first=Michael}}</ref> The money generated balanced the budget, increased property tax relief programs, and increased education spending in the ''Abbott'' districts. Florio also eliminated 1,500 government jobs and cut perks for state officials.<ref>Attinger, Joelle. [https://web.archive.org/web/20070930015045/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,970517-2,00.html "New Jersey's Robin Hood"], ''Time'', July 2, 1990; accessed August 7, 2007.</ref>

Florio redistributed hundreds of millions of dollars of school aid away from suburban districts to urban districts (see the ''Abbott'' case) and rural districts. Under Florio's plan, known as the Quality Education Act, 151 suburban districts would lose almost all of their education funding and have to assume pension costs, Social Security payments, and retiree health costs; another 71 districts would have large reductions in aid and have to assume smaller portions of retiree benefits; and about 350 districts would see increases in aid. The aid cuts fell the most heavily in North Jersey.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/05/26/nyregion/new-jersey-suburbs-attack-florio-s-plan-to-shift-their-school-aid.html|title=New Jersey Suburbs Attack Florio's Plan to Shift Their School Aid|first1=Robert|last1=Hanley|newspaper=The New York Times |date=May 26, 1990}}</ref>

A grassroots taxpayer revolt sprouted in 1990, spearheaded by a citizens' group named "Hands Across New Jersey" founded by John Budzash, a postal worker from Howell Township. Budzash was a frequent guest on radio and television shows throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania speaking out against the new taxes.<ref>{{cite news|last=King |first=Wayne |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/09/27/nyregion/florio-and-tax-protesters-battle-could-be-a-long-one.html |title=Florio and Tax Protesters: Battle Could Be a Long One – The New York Times |work=The New York Times |date=1990-09-27 |accessdate=2022-09-28}}</ref> Florio was a regular topic on active anti-tax broadcasting from talk radio stations New Jersey 101.5 to Curtis Sliwa's AM radio talk show and Bob Grant's AM radio talk show, both based in New York City. Sliwa, Grant, and John and Ken from New Jersey 101.5, along with Alan Keyes (who in later years was a presidential candidate in the Republican primary), were guest speakers at two rallies held by Hands Across New Jersey protesting both George H. W. Bush and Florio's tax increases.<ref>{{cite news|last=King |first=Wayne |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/11/02/nyregion/in-new-jersey-hands-is-lightning-rod-no-more.html |title=In New Jersey, 'Hands' Is Lightning Rod No More – The New York Times |work=The New York Times |date=1991-11-02 |accessdate=2022-09-28}}</ref> Bumper stickers with "Impeach Florio" were seen around the state.<ref>Robertson, Brian. [https://web.archive.org/web/20040917162654/http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1282/is_n10_v45/ai_13800286 "A model for Clinton – comparing Bill Clinton's tax policy to that of New Jersey Governor James Florio"] ''National Review'', May 24, 1993; accessed August 7, 2007.</ref>

Prior to the 1991 New Jersey elections, Democrats held majorities in both the New Jersey General Assembly and the New Jersey State Senate. But voter anger was so great that after the 1991 election, Republicans were to win veto-proof majorities in both houses. An example of Republican strength at this time was their promise to roll back the sales tax, which was raised by one percentage point during the first two years of the Florio administration. The rollback was passed in both houses, only to be vetoed by Florio.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/528231906/?terms=%22james%20florio%22%20veto%20%22sales%20tax%22&match=1 |title=17 May 1992, 3|work=The Herald-News|via=Newspapers.com |date=1992-05-17 |accessdate=2022-09-26}}</ref> Republicans then overrode Florio's veto and the rollback was passed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/528236277/?terms=%22james%20florio%22%20veto%20%22sales%20tax%22&match=1 |title=26 May 1992, 7|work=The Herald-News|via=Newspapers.com |date=1992-05-26 |accessdate=2022-09-26}}</ref>

In order to pay for the increased aid in rural and urban districts and maintain suburban school aid, Florio and the legislature passed the "Pension Reevaluation Act". The Pension Reevaluation Act changed the actuarial calculations used to calculate the State's pension contributions; instead of using the book value of pension assets (a conservative approach), the state would use a market-related value. The Act also increased the assumed rate of return for investments from 7&nbsp;percent to 8.75&nbsp;percent. The Pension Reevaluation Act reduced New Jersey's pension contributions by $1.5&nbsp;billion in 1992.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/505372656/?terms=%22james%20florio%22%20pension%20reevaluation%20act&match=1 |title=17 Apr 2011, O1 |newspaper= The Record |via=Newspapers.com |date=2011-04-17 |accessdate=2022-09-29}}</ref>

Florio also signed a 20% reduction of auto insurance premiums.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20121105111815/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,970517,00.htm Attinger, Joelle. "James Florio: New Jersey's Robin Hood"] ''Time'' July 2, 1990</ref> In May 1990, Florio enacted the stiffest laws in the U.S. on owning or selling semi-automatic firearms; in 1993, he vetoed a repeal bill passed by the Republican-led legislature. The National Rifle Association lobbied hard to override the governor's veto, and the Assembly voted to override it. However, the Senate voted unanimously to uphold Florio's veto. According to ''Time'', New Jerseyans had swamped lawmakers' offices with calls supporting the ban after Florio stumped the state, appealing to voters to voice their feelings" about semi-automatic firearms.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,978113,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930055425/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,978113,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 30, 2007|title=Lacyo, Richard; Cole, Wendy; Johnson, Julie; Towle, Lisa. "Wounding the Gun Lobby" ''Time''; March 29, 1993}}</ref>

====1993 election==== {{Further|1993 New Jersey gubernatorial election}} In 1991, the Democrats lost their majority in both chambers of the state legislature, for the first time in 20 years (Republicans controlled the state assembly after the 1985 and 1987 elections). The governor's approval ratings were as low as 18% but stabilized to roughly 50% by 1993. He made an effort for conservative support by putting in place tighter restrictions on welfare payments to mothers and enjoyed the strong support of President Bill Clinton. Clinton advisers James Carville and Paul Begala worked on his campaign. Due in large part to the tax hikes, Florio lost his bid for re-election to Republican Somerset County freeholder Christine Todd Whitman and became the first Democratic governor since the adoption of the state's current constitution in 1947 to lose a re-election vote. (Republican William T. Cahill, elected in 1969, became the first governor to lose reelection when he was defeated in the Republican primary in 1973.<ref>Salmore, Barbara G. and Salmore, Stephen A., [http://rutgerspress.rutgers.edu/acatalog/new_jersey_politics_and_government.html ''New Jersey Politics and Government: The Suburbs Come of Age''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080921162322/http://rutgerspress.rutgers.edu/acatalog/new_jersey_politics_and_government.html |date=September 21, 2008}} Rutgers University Press, 2008; {{ISBN|0-8135-4286-3}}; {{ISBN|978-0-8135-4286-7}}. Accessed October 24, 2008.</ref>) Whitman prevailed by a narrow margin of 26,093 votes out of 2,505,964 votes cast.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/475766438/?terms=whitman%20florio%2026%2C093&match=1 |title=6 Nov 1997, 412|work=Daily News|via=Newspapers.com |date=1997-11-06 |accessdate=2022-09-26}}</ref> Florio was the last politician from South Jersey to win statewide office until Andy Kim was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2024.<ref>{{cite web |title=Jim Florio, the former New Jersey governor who was narrowly ousted in 1993 tax revolt, dies at 85 |url=https://www.dailykos.com/story/2022/9/26/2125433/-Jim-Florio-the-former-New-Jersey-governor-who-was-narrowly-ousted-in-1993-tax-revolt-dies-at-85 |access-date=2022-09-27 |website=Daily Kos}}</ref>

=== Cabinet and administration === {{infobox cabinet members| float = none | above = The Florio Cabinet<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://governors.rutgers.edu/governor-james-j-florio-cabinet-and-staff/|title=Governor James J. Florio Cabinet and Staff}}</ref> | border_color1 = #000 | office1 = Governor | name1a = James Florio | term1a = January 16, 1990 – January 18, 1994 | border_color2 = #000 | office2 = Secretary of Agriculture | name2a = Arthur R. Brown Jr. | term2a = July 1, 1982 – January 15, 2002 | office3 = Attorney General | name3a = Robert Del Tufo | term3a = January 16, 1990 – August 24, 1993 | name3b = Frederick P. DeVesa | term3b = August 25, 1993 – January 18, 1994 | office4 = Commissioner of Banking | name4a = Robert M. Jaworski | term4a = January 16, 1990 – April 9, 1990 | name4b = Geoffrey M. Connor | term4b = April 9, 1990 – January 18, 1994 | office5 = Commissioner of Commerce and Economic Development | name5a = George M. Zoffinger | term5a = March 14, 1990 – December 13, 1991 | name5b = Barbara McConnell | term5b = December 13, 1991 – January 18, 1994 | office6 = Commissioner of Community Affairs | name6a = Randy Primas | term6a = January 18, 1990 – September 18, 1992 | name6b = Stephanie R. Bush | term6b = September 22, 1992 – January 18, 1994 | office7 = Commissioner of Corrections | name7a = William H. Fauver | term7a = June 15, 1978 – December 31, 1997 | office8 = Commissioner of Education | name8a = Saul Cooperman | term8a = July 7, 1982 – June 30, 1990 | name8b = John Ellis | term8b = July 3, 1990 – December 31, 1992 | name8c = Mary Lee Fitzgerald | term8c = January 4, 1993 – January 18, 1994 | office9 = Commissioner of Environmental Protection | name9a = Judith A. Yaskin | term9a = January 18, 1990 – February 15, 1991 | name9b = Scott A. Weiner | term9b = February 15, 1991 – July 31, 1993 | name9c = Jeanne Fox | term9c = August 1, 1993 – January 18, 1994 | office10 = Commissioner of Health | name10a = Frances J. Dunston | term10a = April 2, 1990 – October 15, 1992 | name10b = Bruce Siegel | term10b = October 16, 1992 – January 18, 1994 | office11 = Chancellor of Higher Education | name11a = T. Edward Hollinder | term11a = August 9, 1977 – June 30, 1990 | name11b = Edward D. Goldberg | term11b = July 1, 1990 – June 30, 1994 | office12 = Commissioner of Human Services | name12a = William Waldman | term12a = September 8, 1989 – March 26, 1990 | name12b = Alan J. Gibbs | term12b = March 26, 1990 – November 30, 1992 | name12c = William Waldman | term12c = December 1, 1992 – June 30, 1998 | office13 = Commissioner of Insurance | name13a = Jasper J. Jackson | term13a = January 16, 1990 – April 9, 1990 | name13b = Samuel F. Fortunato | term13b = April 9, 1990 – July 6, 1994 | office14 = Commissioner of Labor and Workforce <br />Development | name14a = Raymond L. Bramucci | term14a = January 17, 1990 – January 18, 1994 | office15 = Adjutant General | name15a = Major General Francis R. Gerard | term15a = February 10, 1982 – April 9, 1990 | name15b = Major General Vito Morgano | term15b = April 9, 1990 – April 4, 1994 | office16 = Personnel Commissioner | name16a = Andrew Weber | term16a = January 18, 1990 – October 12, 1990 | name16b = William G. Scheuer | term16b = October 12, 1990 – January 15, 1992 | name16c = Anthony J. Cimino | term16c = January 15, 1992 – January 18, 1994 | office17 = Public Advocate | name17a = Thomas S. Smith | term17a = January 16, 1990 – April 9, 1990 (acting) | name17b = Wilfredo Caraballo | term17b = April 9, 1990 – July 31, 1992 | name17c = Zulima Farber | term17c = August 18, 1992 – January 18, 1994 | office18 = Secretary of State | name18a = Joan M. Haberle | term18a = January 16, 1990 – January 31, 1992 | name18b = Daniel Dalton | term18b = January 31, 1992 – January 18, 1994 | office19 = Commissioner of Transportation | name19a = Robert A. Innocenzi | term19a = July 7, 1989 – March 26, 1990 (acting) | name19b = Thomas M. Downs | term19b = March 26, 1990 – December 6, 1993 | name19c = Kathy A. Stanwick | term19c = December 7, 1993 – December 31, 1993 (acting) | office20 = State Treasurer | name20a = Douglas C. Berman | term20a = January 18, 1990 – January 10, 1992 | name20b = Samuel F. Crane | term20b = January 10, 1992 – January 18, 1994 }}

===Post-governorship=== In 2000, Florio ran for the Democratic nomination for the United States Senate seat that was being vacated by Frank Lautenberg. His opponent was businessman Jon Corzine, former chairman and CEO of Goldman Sachs. In the most expensive Senate primary in history, Corzine won with 246,472 votes, or 58%, while Florio had 179,059 votes, or 42%.<ref>[http://archives.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/06/07/primary.results/index.html "New Jersey's Corzine beats out former governor in Democratic primary: Last round of presidential primaries passes virtually unnoticed"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070225133643/http://archives.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/06/07/primary.results/index.html |date=February 25, 2007}}, CNN, June 7, 2000; accessed August 7, 2007.</ref>

Florio served as the chairman of the New Jersey Pinelands Commission from November 2002 to June 2005. As a congressman in the late 1970s, he was instrumental in shaping the legislation that established the New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve. He was a critic of the George W. Bush administration and the Iraq War. In a letter to the editor of ''The New York Times'', he made a connection between the war and Bush's energy policy saying, "the nation's right to know has never been more important".<ref>[https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9803EEDF153CF937A35753C1A9659C8B63&n=Top%2fReference%2fTimes%20Topics%2fPeople%2fF%2fFlorio%2c%20Jim "Origins of the Iraq War"], ''The New York Times'', October 4, 2003; accessed August 7, 2007.</ref> Florio supported Hillary Clinton in the 2008 Democratic primaries for president.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/04/18/clinton-gets-3-new-superdelegates/|title=Clinton Gets 3 New Superdelegates|first=Ariel|last=Alexovich|date=April 18, 2008}}</ref>

Florio served on the board of directors of Trump Entertainment Resorts until he and other board members were forced to resign following the company's entry into its third bankruptcy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/238989666/?terms=%22james%20florio%22%20%22trump%20entertainment%20resorts%22&match=1 |title=29 Oct 2016, Page A5|work=Asbury Park Press|via=Newspapers.com |date= |accessdate=2022-09-26}}</ref> He also served on the board of Plymouth Financial Company, Inc. He was a founding partner and of counsel to the law firm of Florio, Perrucci, Steinhardt, Cappelli, Tipton & Taylor.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.insidernj.com/florio-perrucci-steinhardt-cappelli-becomes-florio-perrucci-steinhardt-cappelli-tipton-taylor/ |title=Florio Perrucci Steinhardt & Cappelli Becomes Florio Perrucci Steinhardt Cappelli Tipton & Taylor |publisher=Insider NJ |date=2020-02-26 |accessdate=2022-09-26}}</ref>

Florio taught at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bloustein.rutgers.edu/alumni/giving-back/furthering-the-legacy-of-governor-james-j-florio/ |title=Furthering the Legacy of Governor James J. Florio – Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy |publisher=Bloustein.rutgers.edu |date= |accessdate=2022-09-26}}</ref>

==Personal life== Florio was married twice. His first marriage to Maryanne Spaeth ended in divorce. In 1984, Florio met his second wife, Lucinda Coleman, a school teacher, while both were living in the same apartment complex in Pine Hill, New Jersey.<ref name=nytimes2>{{cite news |first=Carla |last=Cantor |title=Lucinda Florio Steps Gently Into a Spotlight of Her Own |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/09/16/nyregion/lucinda-florio-steps-gently-into-a-spotlight-of-her-own.html |work=New York Times |publisher= |date=1990-09-16 |access-date=2023-07-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221119122731/https://www.nytimes.com/1990/09/16/nyregion/lucinda-florio-steps-gently-into-a-spotlight-of-her-own.html |archive-date=2022-11-19 |url-status=live}}</ref> Jim and Lucinda Florio married on Valentine's Day in 1988, and remained together until his death in September 2022.<ref name=nytimes2/><ref name = Fried>{{cite news|url = https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/26/nyregion/jim-florio-dead.html|title = Jim Florio, New Jersey Governor Undone by Tax Hike, Dies at 85|last = Fried|first = Joseph P.|newspaper = The New York Times|date = September 26, 2022|accessdate = September 26, 2022|url-access = limited}}</ref><ref>Jacobs, Andrew. [https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9502E6DC133FF93BA35755C0A9669C8B63 " PRIMARY IN NEW JERSEY: THE LOSER; For Florio, His Days as the 'Comeback Kid' May Be Over"], ''The New York Times'', June 8, 2000; accessed May 26, 2008. "Mr. Florio, who lost the race, 42 percent to 58 percent, spent the day with his wife, Lucinda, in their home in Metuchen."</ref> Jim Florio had three children from his first marriage - Chris, Gregory, and Catherine - while Lucinda Florio also had one son from her first marriage, Mark Rowe.<ref name = Fried/><ref name=nytimes2/>

==Death== Florio died on September 25, 2022, from heart failure at a hospital in Voorhees, New Jersey, at age 85.<ref name = Fried/><ref>{{Cite news|url = https://newjerseyglobe.com/in-memoriam/jim-florio-former-governor-of-new-jersey-dies-at-85/|title = Jim Florio, former governor of New Jersey, dies at 85|work = New Jersey Globe|date = September 25, 2022|accessdate = September 25, 2022|last = Wildstein|first = David}}</ref> He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington County, Virginia.<ref name=tarch>{{cite news |first=|last=|title=Lucinda Coleman Florio |url=https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/26837524/lucinda-coleman-florio |work=Tribute Archive |publisher= |date=2022-11-16 |access-date=2023-07-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230723025448/https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/26837524/lucinda-coleman-florio |archive-date=2023-07-23 |url-status=live}}</ref> His wife, former New Jersey First Lady Lucinda Florio, died on November 16, 2022, just 52 days later.<ref name=njcom>{{cite news |first=Brent |last=Johnson |title=Lucinda Florio, former N.J. first lady and wife of Gov. Jim Florio, dies just weeks after husband's passing |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/lifestyle-buzz/lucinda-florio-former-nj-first-lady-and-wife-of-gov-jim-florio-dies-just-weeks-after-husbands-passing/ar-AA14eN4l |work=NJ.com |publisher=MSN |date=2022-11-16 |access-date=2023-07-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230711011049/https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/lifestyle-buzz/lucinda-florio-former-nj-first-lady-and-wife-of-gov-jim-florio-dies-just-weeks-after-husbands-passing/ar-AA14eN4l |archive-date=2023-07-11 |url-status=live}}</ref>

== Honors == In 1993, Florio was awarded the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award, for his support for gun control.<ref>{{cite web |title=James Florio |url=https://www.jfklibrary.org/events-and-awards/profile-in-courage-award/award-recipients/james-florio-1993 |access-date=2022-09-27 |website=JFK Library}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=King |first=Wayne |date=1993-05-25 |title=Florio Gets Singled Out By Kennedys For Courage |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/05/25/nyregion/florio-gets-singled-out-by-kennedys-for-courage.html |access-date=2022-09-27 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> In 2014, he was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame.<ref>''The Star Ledger''. August 1, 2014. pg. 19</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=coreygraham |title=James Florio |url=https://njhalloffame.org/hall-of-famers/2014-inductees/james-florio/ |access-date=2022-09-27 |website=New Jersey Hall of Fame |language=en-US}}</ref> The Camden County Board of Chosen Freeholders named the Governor James J. Florio Center for Public Service, a primary county administrative building, in Florio's honor in 2017.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Walsh |first1=Jim |title = Camden County changes may have big impact|url=https://www.courierpostonline.com/story/news/local/south-jersey/2017/02/04/camden-county-offices-relocation/97456742/ |access-date=6 January 2021 |work=The Courier-Post |date=4 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Camden County Board of Freeholders dedicates Building to Governor James J. Florio |url=https://www.camdencounty.com/camden-county-board-freeholders-dedicates-building-governor-james-j-florio/ |publisher=Camden County |access-date=6 January 2021 |date=9 August 2017}}</ref>

== References == {{Reflist}}

== External links == {{commons category}} * {{CongBio|F000215}} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20070930035621/http://www.nga.org/portal/site/nga/menuitem.29fab9fb4add37305ddcbeeb501010a0/?vgnextoid=2627ae3effb81010VgnVCM1000001a01010aRCRD&vgnextchannel=e449a0ca9e3f1010VgnVCM1000001a01010aRCRD New Jersey Governor Jim Florio], * {{C-SPAN|8710}}

{{s-start}} {{s-par|us-nj-hs}} {{s-bef|before=Lee B. Laskin}} {{s-ttl|title=Member of the New Jersey General Assembly<br>from the 3D district|years=1970–1974|alongside=John J. Horn}} {{s-aft|after=Constituency abolished}} |- {{s-new|constituency}} {{s-ttl|title=Member of the New Jersey General Assembly<br>from the 5th district|years=1974–1975|alongside=Ernest F. Schuck}} {{s-aft|after=Ronald Casella}} |- {{s-par|us-hs}} {{s-bef|before=John E. Hunt}} {{s-ttl|title=Member of the U.S. House of Representatives<br>from New Jersey's 1st congressional district|years=1975–1990}} {{s-aft|after=Rob Andrews}} |- {{s-ppo}} {{s-bef|before=Brendan Byrne}} {{s-ttl|title=Democratic nominee for Governor of New Jersey|years=1981}} {{s-aft|after=Peter Shapiro}} |- {{s-bef|before=Peter Shapiro}} {{s-ttl|title=Democratic nominee for Governor of New Jersey|years=1989, 1993}} {{s-aft|after=Jim McGreevey}} |- {{s-off}} {{s-bef|before=Thomas Kean}} {{s-ttl|title=Governor of New Jersey|years=1990–1994}} {{s-aft|after=Christine Todd Whitman}} {{s-end}} {{USCongRep-start|congresses=94th–101st United States Congress |state=New Jersey}} {{USCongRep/NJ/94}} {{USCongRep/NJ/95}} {{USCongRep/NJ/96}} {{USCongRep/NJ/97}} {{USCongRep/NJ/98}} {{USCongRep/NJ/99}} {{USCongRep/NJ/100}} {{USCongRep/NJ/101}} {{USCongRep-end}} {{Governors of New Jersey}} {{Authority control}}

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