SAYREVILLE – Deputy Speaker John S. Wisniewski (D-Middlesex) issued the following statement on the passing of Essex County Democratic Chairman Phil Thigpen.

“It is with great sadness that I learned of the death of Phil Thigpen, Chairman of the Essex County Democratic Party. As the party’s state chairman I had the privilege of working with Chairman Thigpen on a number of campaigns. Throughout our shared experience, he was a clear and consistent voice on behalf of our party and its commitment to social and economic justice for all Americans. He was a true leader and always a gentleman and my prayers are with his family at this time of great loss and sorrow.”