Governor Phil Murphy today ordered that the U.S. and New Jersey flags be flown at half-staff at all state buildings and facilities on Monday, November 4, 2019, in recognition of the passing of U.S. Representative Bill Hughes.

"Congressman Bill Hughes represented his South Jersey district for 20 years, but he was nothing less than a New Jersey icon," said Governor Murphy. "He was a public school product and a Rutgers graduate two times over. As a prosecutor in Cape May, he fought to keep residents safe. As a respected Congressman, he fought to protect the Jersey Shore from polluters and the Pinelands from development. As U.S. Ambassador to Panama under President Clinton, he served our nation on the world stage.

“Tammy and I send our condolences to his children and their families, and to all who knew him and called him a friend. Congressman Hughes will continue to inspire future leaders through the work of the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton University, perhaps the most fitting tribute to his tremendous legacy."