State Sen. Kevin O'Toole will have served 22 years in the state legislature when he steps down in January 2018
TRENTON -- Republican state Sen. Kevin O'Toole of Essex County announced Friday morning he will not seek reelection after his term ends in two years, capping a 22-year tenure in the New Jersey Legislature.
"It has been an incredible honor and privilege to serve the people of New Jersey. I can never repay the debt of gratitude I owe the voters and constituents for having entrusted me to represent them," O'Toole said in a statement.
O'Toole has served on two of the most influential committees, Senate Budget and Appropriations and Judiciary, which vets judges, prosecutors, cabinet members and justices serving on the state Supreme Court. He said his proudest accomplishments include sponsoring the 2 percent cap on property taxes, tougher penalties for child predators and a ban on dual office-holding.
"When I first ran for office in 1989, at age 24, I never dared dream that I would be fortunate enough to serve the public for 29 years -- when my term ends," O'Toole said in his statement.
"As when I voluntarily left the Cedar Grove town council after 7 years, the party chairmanship after 12 years, and now 22 years in the Legislature, I believe it is time to create opportunities for the next -- younger -- generation of dedicated public servants to have their chance to make a difference," he said.
O'Toole did not immediately return calls seeking comment.
O'Toole is known for his outspoken style and has been a fierce defender of Gov. Chris Christie. The governor behind the scenes backed O'Toole to replace Tom Kean Jr. as Senate minority leader in 2013, but the attempt failed.
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He was among the minority members of the legislative committee investigating the "Bridgegate" scandal involving the politically motivated lane closures to the George Washington Bridge in 2013. Often he was the most critical voice at the table blasting Democrats for politicizing the committee's work.
Although never directly implicated in the matter, O'Toole's name was mentioned in one of the emails obtained by a subpoena sent by David Wildstein, the Port Authority's director of interstate capital projects who has since pleaded guilty for his role in the lane closures.
Wildstein thanked Christie's then-Press Secretary Michael Drewniak "for all of your sound advice last night, I always appreciate your friendship. Spoke with O'Toole this morning and he will talk with you later today." Wildstein resigned the next day, in December 2013.
O'Toole also chaired the Essex County Republican Committee for a dozen years, ending in 2011, according to his statement.
Kean issued a statement praising his colleague for his "admirable" public service.
"The senator has always come to Trenton with enthusiasm and tenacity to do whatever it takes to accomplish the needs of New Jerseyans and the 40th legislative district," Kean said. "I know he will continue serving the remainder of his term with that same outstanding vigor and success that has endeared him to the people, his colleagues on both sides of the aisle, local officials and community leaders."
O'Toole, of Cedar Grove, is a defense attorney and managing partner of his multi-state law firm, O'Toole Fernandez Weiner Van Lieu.
He and his wife Bethany have two children, Kevin Jr. and Ryan Marie. "I first became an elected official as a single man," he said. "Now I am a proud husband and father, and as I begin the next chapter of my life, I look forward to spending much more time with them."
The 40th district includes parts of Bergen, Essex, Morris, and Passaic counties.
Susan K. Livio may be reached at slivio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanKLivio. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.
