What's up?

What's up?

Its way up with Angela Yee and I am here with Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey, Tahisha Way.

Its way up with Angela Yee and I am here with Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey, Tahisha Way.

Welcome, Well thanks for having me Angela.

Welcome, Well thanks for having me Angela.

Two way up. We were having a conversation.

Two way up. We were having a conversation.

I was like, hold on, save it because we both were English majors in college. Yes, you went to Brown University, which is where my brother went, and I went to Wesleyan. And you said, what did your parents tell you about your major English?

I was like, hold on, save it because we both were English majors in college. Yes, you went to Brown University, which is where my brother went, and I went to Wesleyan. And you said, what did your parents tell you about your major English?

Yeah, the first thing they said is, Tahisha, what you're going to do with that h So you know I had to say, well, you know, mom and dad, there's plenty you can do with an English degree. And here I am.

Yeah, the first thing they said is, Tahisha, what you're going to do with that h So you know I had to say, well, you know, mom and dad, there's plenty you can do with an English degree. And here I am.

So you know, I thought I was going to be a teacher for a little while, and you know that's important if you want to teach, and I did this whole urban education semester. But I will say that English is important being able to write and to be able to read and comprehend things quickly. That major helped me a lot when it comes to that, because I think the skill of being able to effectively write something, whether it's a proposal or you know, a marketing deck, whatever it is that you need that is definitely something that a lot of people I think are not up to pyron.

So you know, I thought I was going to be a teacher for a little while, and you know that's important if you want to teach, and I did this whole urban education semester. But I will say that English is important being able to write and to be able to read and comprehend things quickly. That major helped me a lot when it comes to that, because I think the skill of being able to effectively write something, whether it's a proposal or you know, a marketing deck, whatever it is that you need that is definitely something that a lot of people I think are not up to pyron.

No one hundred percent, I tell you. For me similarly, so, I was actually conflicted my junior year of college because I too was thinking education, perhaps becoming like a college English professor. And then my dean at Brown, Dean Perry Ashley, still out there hello, He said to me, well, you know, with an English degree to you can do so much. You've analyzed things, you've researched, you write all the time. So I've even seeing you on campus advocating for various meeds. So why don't you think about law school? Yeah? Yeah, So it all crystallize. And you know I at that time too, during that summer, I had just finished pledge in Alpha Kappa Alpha. So I want to shout out to my fellow swords and of course the entire divine None. But afterwards, I want to say, several months afterwards, I suffered a cerebral hemorrhage, Angela, And with that, that's when it really crystallized for me as to what I wanted to do when law was on top of mind.

No one hundred percent, I tell you. For me similarly, so, I was actually conflicted my junior year of college because I too was thinking education, perhaps becoming like a college English professor. And then my dean at Brown, Dean Perry Ashley, still out there hello, He said to me, well, you know, with an English degree to you can do so much. You've analyzed things, you've researched, you write all the time. So I've even seeing you on campus advocating for various meeds. So why don't you think about law school? Yeah? Yeah, So it all crystallize. And you know I at that time too, during that summer, I had just finished pledge in Alpha Kappa Alpha. So I want to shout out to my fellow swords and of course the entire divine None. But afterwards, I want to say, several months afterwards, I suffered a cerebral hemorrhage, Angela, And with that, that's when it really crystallized for me as to what I wanted to do when law was on top of mind.

I saw that you had that hemorrhage, and I want to talk about that because health is important, right, And how did you Is that something that anybody could ever predict? Is there a way that could have been prevented? Or is that something that happens and there is just out of the blue.

I saw that you had that hemorrhage, and I want to talk about that because health is important, right, And how did you Is that something that anybody could ever predict? Is there a way that could have been prevented? Or is that something that happens and there is just out of the blue.

Yeah, And I'm thankful that you're we're lifting up this conversation because I had what they call an AVM. We always hear about aneurysms, but not in AVM. So for me, I was genetically born with an abnormal vessel in the back of my deck. And no, you know, there isn't any mechanism right now in funding for folk to actually you know, get screened because I'd never had any migrains growing up, no headaches, any you know, visual distortion or anything like that, mobility issues. But all of a sudden, I was at On Jones speech in New York and at one of the Greek Picnics July fourth, and all of a sudden felt like someone had struck me hard in the head. And that's when it occurred. And then several days later I woke up and that's when I saw my mom and dad surrounded around me in the hospital. And when you witness your dad with tears, I was saying to myself, Oh my goodness, this is it right, But that's when a stranger who became my newer surgeon, doctor de los Reas. I will always remember him. He said, in a polite way, we're going to help you out. Thankfully you're able to survive here, but you have suffered that AVM cerebral hemorrhage and it's around your visual cortex. So right now, what we're going to try to do is save your vision.

Yeah, And I'm thankful that you're we're lifting up this conversation because I had what they call an AVM. We always hear about aneurysms, but not in AVM. So for me, I was genetically born with an abnormal vessel in the back of my deck. And no, you know, there isn't any mechanism right now in funding for folk to actually you know, get screened because I'd never had any migrains growing up, no headaches, any you know, visual distortion or anything like that, mobility issues. But all of a sudden, I was at On Jones speech in New York and at one of the Greek Picnics July fourth, and all of a sudden felt like someone had struck me hard in the head. And that's when it occurred. And then several days later I woke up and that's when I saw my mom and dad surrounded around me in the hospital. And when you witness your dad with tears, I was saying to myself, Oh my goodness, this is it right, But that's when a stranger who became my newer surgeon, doctor de los Reas. I will always remember him. He said, in a polite way, we're going to help you out. Thankfully you're able to survive here, but you have suffered that AVM cerebral hemorrhage and it's around your visual cortex. So right now, what we're going to try to do is save your vision.

Right well, listen, a blessing that you're here and been able to serve the way that you have, and it feels like a service to the community is something that has always been your path when it comes to everything you've done. I know your parents both work for New York City Transites. That's where my mom works, and that we're very aligned because you're actually from the Bronx and then moved to New Jersey. Now what brought you to New Jersey with your family, Well.

Right well, listen, a blessing that you're here and been able to serve the way that you have, and it feels like a service to the community is something that has always been your path when it comes to everything you've done. I know your parents both work for New York City Transites. That's where my mom works, and that we're very aligned because you're actually from the Bronx and then moved to New Jersey. Now what brought you to New Jersey with your family, Well.

It was my husband at the time he and I met Virginia. He got drafted by the New York Football Giants, so go Blue, and that's why it became full circle with us heading back to because he's from Philly, so it was central New Jersey between New York and Philly.

It was my husband at the time he and I met Virginia. He got drafted by the New York Football Giants, so go Blue, and that's why it became full circle with us heading back to because he's from Philly, so it was central New Jersey between New York and Philly.

Okay, and so then you so let's talk about you. You get out of college and then you're told, you know, you said your dean was like law school kind of put that idea in your heads.

Okay, and so then you so let's talk about you. You get out of college and then you're told, you know, you said your dean was like law school kind of put that idea in your heads.

So what did you think was gonna happen after that?

So what did you think was gonna happen after that?

Yeah, you know at that time and again it's when the cerebral hemorrhage happened after that conversation in that season of my life. Getting back to your point, and you said it so well, Angela, I came to an awareness of you know what, I am not a science girl. I'm not a math girl, so I don't want to get into, you know, practicingy medicine. But what I can do and hope to have an impact to others is to go to law school, right and focus on advocating right and making other people's lives whole. And you know, for me, once my husband Charles, he got drafted, we were in the area, I started getting involved in some nonprof you know, on work and just trying to uplift especially women's causes. And I guess you know, word got around. Oh she's really engaged out the end of the streets, right, and that's when you know it evolved for me because to become, you know, a governmental official because I never saw reblic I never did.

Yeah, you know at that time and again it's when the cerebral hemorrhage happened after that conversation in that season of my life. Getting back to your point, and you said it so well, Angela, I came to an awareness of you know what, I am not a science girl. I'm not a math girl, so I don't want to get into, you know, practicingy medicine. But what I can do and hope to have an impact to others is to go to law school, right and focus on advocating right and making other people's lives whole. And you know, for me, once my husband Charles, he got drafted, we were in the area, I started getting involved in some nonprof you know, on work and just trying to uplift especially women's causes. And I guess you know, word got around. Oh she's really engaged out the end of the streets, right, and that's when you know it evolved for me because to become, you know, a governmental official because I never saw reblic I never did.

I want to ask you about that too. But you know a couple of things here. I have a couple of other types of questions. First of all, were you cool with like other wives when your husband was playing in the NFL?

I want to ask you about that too. But you know a couple of things here. I have a couple of other types of questions. First of all, were you cool with like other wives when your husband was playing in the NFL?

Yes, I was. And you know something, two of them, two of them are still my BFFs.

Yes, I was. And you know something, two of them, two of them are still my BFFs.

That's dope, that that whole network and you're AKA, so you definitely I can see already how much you want to uplift other women, because I think that is important.

That's dope, that that whole network and you're AKA, so you definitely I can see already how much you want to uplift other women, because I think that is important.

And then second thing that I want to talk about.

And then second thing that I want to talk about.

I saw that Arnold Schwarzenegger today decided that he's going to endures Kamala Harris for president. But in this long letter that he wrote, cause this is his first time stepping out of his Republican camp to endure a Democrat for president, he's never done that before, right, and he's a Republican, he said a lot of things about how he thinks that politics is, you know, awful, politicians are liars and it's corrupt and all of that. What were your thoughts about politics before you decided to become essentially a politician.

I saw that Arnold Schwarzenegger today decided that he's going to endures Kamala Harris for president. But in this long letter that he wrote, cause this is his first time stepping out of his Republican camp to endure a Democrat for president, he's never done that before, right, and he's a Republican, he said a lot of things about how he thinks that politics is, you know, awful, politicians are liars and it's corrupt and all of that. What were your thoughts about politics before you decided to become essentially a politician.

Well, you know, I again, I was approached through my local county Democratic Association, and I really had to self reflect, right, because I never pursue opportunities if I really don't have he a heart for it. And at the time I pursued it, I have three little girls, right, and my husband he wasn't playing for the Giants, but he nonetheless was working for the Giants in their front management office, so he was still traveling and around the country with the team fully engaged. So our time priority has al raised my kids. So I start with that, and I wanted to make sure that I would have the bandwidth to do this. I was serving or working as a civil litigator too at the time, which you know requires a goodness, I'm out of focus and then out of the courtroom, you know, making sure your clients needs are met. But you know, I self reflected on this and I said, you know what, this opportunity, it would not come my way, and it's another way for me to make an impact. And I was you know, and and I'm going to keep it real for you. You know, I was saying to myself, I'm a female and I'm a minority female and the one thing that I appreciate is when I go into spaces right and I see folks who look like me. We love everybody, but you just want to seek that same comfort. I often tell folks, you know, as growing up in the Bronx as a little girl, I was hurt when I would just go to a local toy store, right and I never saw a doll that looked at me during that time. And you know, my parents did their best. They would always try to bring me back and bring me back to the toy store. My dad went above and beyond not only to get me one cabbage patch doll, but he cabbage patch. Yeah, he actually was able to find an African American.

Well, you know, I again, I was approached through my local county Democratic Association, and I really had to self reflect, right, because I never pursue opportunities if I really don't have he a heart for it. And at the time I pursued it, I have three little girls, right, and my husband he wasn't playing for the Giants, but he nonetheless was working for the Giants in their front management office, so he was still traveling and around the country with the team fully engaged. So our time priority has al raised my kids. So I start with that, and I wanted to make sure that I would have the bandwidth to do this. I was serving or working as a civil litigator too at the time, which you know requires a goodness, I'm out of focus and then out of the courtroom, you know, making sure your clients needs are met. But you know, I self reflected on this and I said, you know what, this opportunity, it would not come my way, and it's another way for me to make an impact. And I was you know, and and I'm going to keep it real for you. You know, I was saying to myself, I'm a female and I'm a minority female and the one thing that I appreciate is when I go into spaces right and I see folks who look like me. We love everybody, but you just want to seek that same comfort. I often tell folks, you know, as growing up in the Bronx as a little girl, I was hurt when I would just go to a local toy store, right and I never saw a doll that looked at me during that time. And you know, my parents did their best. They would always try to bring me back and bring me back to the toy store. My dad went above and beyond not only to get me one cabbage patch doll, but he cabbage patch. Yeah, he actually was able to find an African American.

Cabbage so easy to come back.

Cabbage so easy to come back.

I still have her in clothes. She's not even open.

I still have her in clothes. She's not even open.

And you know her name that she had the papers, you know they adoption papers.

And you know her name that she had the papers, you know they adoption papers.

I don't yep those adoption I don't eat. That thing is not even open. I don't even know what she's up in my ass.

I don't yep those adoption I don't eat. That thing is not even open. I don't even know what she's up in my ass.

Dedocracy love it.

Dedocracy love it.

She came in, I know, and they smelled so good, right, So so you know I think that for me, I said, Okay, I'm gonna do this because you know, if you look at our history and the challenges that we have had voting, you know, being in positions right, I think that it was my time and that's why I decided to you know, throw my hand into rank and actually be a county commissioner as they called.

She came in, I know, and they smelled so good, right, So so you know I think that for me, I said, Okay, I'm gonna do this because you know, if you look at our history and the challenges that we have had voting, you know, being in positions right, I think that it was my time and that's why I decided to you know, throw my hand into rank and actually be a county commissioner as they called.

That's great because I do feel like it's important for people to rally up and support people who they think would be good enoughice because sometimes you may not think that that's something you even fathom doing. But when people are like, you would be great for this, and because I think not often enough, we feel like we can get very turned off by politics and by politicians. There's been a lot happening in Jersey politics in these past couple of years too, that is different than it's ever been. Like I see a lot of the headlines. My parents live in New Jersey. Oh so in South Orange. Oh nice, Yeah, so I always am looking at what's happening in New Jersey. Of course what's happening in New York, because I live in New York. But I always tell people, if you don't like what's going on, you should figure out if you want to run or if you know somebody who you think would be good to run because you do want people to represent you. Someone's going to do it, so why not let it be somebody that actually cares and has your best interests, you know, in mind. So that's why seeing you doing what you're doing, and even watching Kamala Harris run for president. I know this is more of a personal conversation.

That's great because I do feel like it's important for people to rally up and support people who they think would be good enoughice because sometimes you may not think that that's something you even fathom doing. But when people are like, you would be great for this, and because I think not often enough, we feel like we can get very turned off by politics and by politicians. There's been a lot happening in Jersey politics in these past couple of years too, that is different than it's ever been. Like I see a lot of the headlines. My parents live in New Jersey. Oh so in South Orange. Oh nice, Yeah, so I always am looking at what's happening in New Jersey. Of course what's happening in New York, because I live in New York. But I always tell people, if you don't like what's going on, you should figure out if you want to run or if you know somebody who you think would be good to run because you do want people to represent you. Someone's going to do it, so why not let it be somebody that actually cares and has your best interests, you know, in mind. So that's why seeing you doing what you're doing, and even watching Kamala Harris run for president. I know this is more of a personal conversation.

This doesn't have.

This doesn't have.

To do with politics, but I've heard people say such awful things about, you know, a woman running for president, a black woman running for president. I've heard people say I'm not voting for no Indian lady, or a woman can't run this. I've heard women say I don't want a woman to be president and she'll be emotional and like all kinds of crazy things. And so for you, because when she became vice president, I did get emotional, and I didn't anticipate that happening when it did. When she did become vice president. What are your thoughts now seeing how the country and how people are acting to the potential of having a black woman be president.

To do with politics, but I've heard people say such awful things about, you know, a woman running for president, a black woman running for president. I've heard people say I'm not voting for no Indian lady, or a woman can't run this. I've heard women say I don't want a woman to be president and she'll be emotional and like all kinds of crazy things. And so for you, because when she became vice president, I did get emotional, and I didn't anticipate that happening when it did. When she did become vice president. What are your thoughts now seeing how the country and how people are acting to the potential of having a black woman be president.

Yeah, well, I'm going to take off my secretary of State hat right because I have to, you know, operate on a different lane with that one. But I can just say it brings such pride. You know. I've been honored and blessed to serve as one of her campaign surrogates and the battlegrounds, just making sure everyone understands who she is and what she can bring to the table. And I think that we're at a time in which we should not even be looking at the party, right, or even if this is a male, a person of color, a female, we should just be looking at who is the most qualified to lead, who can set a standard Angela, you know, for our kids. I mentioned at that time when I was practicing, I was a county commissioner. I had three girls at that time. Now I have folk, you know, and one is ten years old. And you say to her, you say to all of our kids, right, this is the highest position in the land. A standard should be set for our kids as to not only what can they become, but what you are supposed to do and what you're not supposed to do, how you are supposed to be treated others. And again I look at her qualifications, right, sound qualifications, having been a district attorney, state attorney general, fighting the fight just for the common people that everyday people, regardless of where you come from or who you are. I look at the standard of her, you know that actually assaulted in it, you know, and not not being a predator right, and not tearing folk apart. And the thing about it is that if voters really look at her economic platform, it's for everyone right to make sure everybody can get ahead. So you know, I have two daughters who are older, who have graduated and have gone on, and you know, you look at them, and you know sometimes they have to think about, Okay, I have to find a roommate nowadays, right in.

Yeah, well, I'm going to take off my secretary of State hat right because I have to, you know, operate on a different lane with that one. But I can just say it brings such pride. You know. I've been honored and blessed to serve as one of her campaign surrogates and the battlegrounds, just making sure everyone understands who she is and what she can bring to the table. And I think that we're at a time in which we should not even be looking at the party, right, or even if this is a male, a person of color, a female, we should just be looking at who is the most qualified to lead, who can set a standard Angela, you know, for our kids. I mentioned at that time when I was practicing, I was a county commissioner. I had three girls at that time. Now I have folk, you know, and one is ten years old. And you say to her, you say to all of our kids, right, this is the highest position in the land. A standard should be set for our kids as to not only what can they become, but what you are supposed to do and what you're not supposed to do, how you are supposed to be treated others. And again I look at her qualifications, right, sound qualifications, having been a district attorney, state attorney general, fighting the fight just for the common people that everyday people, regardless of where you come from or who you are. I look at the standard of her, you know that actually assaulted in it, you know, and not not being a predator right, and not tearing folk apart. And the thing about it is that if voters really look at her economic platform, it's for everyone right to make sure everybody can get ahead. So you know, I have two daughters who are older, who have graduated and have gone on, and you know, you look at them, and you know sometimes they have to think about, Okay, I have to find a roommate nowadays, right in.

Terms eighty two three.

Terms eighty two three.

There you go, there you go, And this is what our college graduates are facing. But you know, one of her policies is to make rental right, making that more affordable, right for the millennials Gen Z whatever generation we're talking about, and banging home exactly. You know that that initial investment of the twenty you know, twenty twenty five dollars, making sure that thousands of dollars can be you know, in right.

There you go, there you go, And this is what our college graduates are facing. But you know, one of her policies is to make rental right, making that more affordable, right for the millennials Gen Z whatever generation we're talking about, and banging home exactly. You know that that initial investment of the twenty you know, twenty twenty five dollars, making sure that thousands of dollars can be you know, in right.

For student loan debt eggs. Dare you gots a big one right there? You know, Brown's not cheap. Oh no, oh no, now there's Wesleyan. I remember my last payment from my student loan and how excited I was to get that. And I remember deferring my loans though several times and still having to have those accruent, having an even bigger payment when they kick back in.

For student loan debt eggs. Dare you gots a big one right there? You know, Brown's not cheap. Oh no, oh no, now there's Wesleyan. I remember my last payment from my student loan and how excited I was to get that. And I remember deferring my loans though several times and still having to have those accruent, having an even bigger payment when they kick back in.

Correct, Because of course there's a value to education, but once you graduate, that's like another mortgage, right that you have to assume. And so when you really think about all of her policy so that everyone can get ahead and just have the simple, the simple of an idea of being valued is you know what what she you know? And it speaks from the heart.

Correct, Because of course there's a value to education, but once you graduate, that's like another mortgage, right that you have to assume. And so when you really think about all of her policy so that everyone can get ahead and just have the simple, the simple of an idea of being valued is you know what what she you know? And it speaks from the heart.

You know. I've heard people say that Donald Trump the economy was better under Donald Trump and they have more money in their pockets and gas was cheaper, groceries were cheaper.

You know. I've heard people say that Donald Trump the economy was better under Donald Trump and they have more money in their pockets and gas was cheaper, groceries were cheaper.

What do you say when people say that?

What do you say when people say that?

Because there's a lot of misinformation out there, and there's a lot of times even Trump himself will have to get fact checked on things that he says, but it's still out there, and I think that in his mind, and I know he said this before, if you say something enough times, people will think it's true even if it's not. You know, he has a marketing background, So for people who aren't going to be digging in and doing the research. Maybe they're like, I'm not an economists, but I do feel like I have more money at that time.

Because there's a lot of misinformation out there, and there's a lot of times even Trump himself will have to get fact checked on things that he says, but it's still out there, and I think that in his mind, and I know he said this before, if you say something enough times, people will think it's true even if it's not. You know, he has a marketing background, So for people who aren't going to be digging in and doing the research. Maybe they're like, I'm not an economists, but I do feel like I have more money at that time.

What would you say to those people?

What would you say to those people?

You know, I just think that people should not fall for misinformation out there, and I think that people really have to remember right the times under his is his tenure, and if you really think about it, economically, I don't think that we were better off, right you see, you know, people say, oh, well, we received the checks, but everyone has to understand Congress was the one with Donald Trump just slapping his name and I didn't want that to happen.

You know, I just think that people should not fall for misinformation out there, and I think that people really have to remember right the times under his is his tenure, and if you really think about it, economically, I don't think that we were better off, right you see, you know, people say, oh, well, we received the checks, but everyone has to understand Congress was the one with Donald Trump just slapping his name and I didn't want that to happen.

In Congress passed that exactly those and had those checks out. He actually delayed those checks that he could put his name on them exactly.

In Congress passed that exactly those and had those checks out. He actually delayed those checks that he could put his name on them exactly.

And that's and that's for real. And you know, I look at how three hundred thousand Black Americans were taken off of the healthcare roles, if you will, under his administration the first two years, that unemployment for African Americans was higher. And these are the things that again, we must continue to get that message out because these are the facts.

And that's and that's for real. And you know, I look at how three hundred thousand Black Americans were taken off of the healthcare roles, if you will, under his administration the first two years, that unemployment for African Americans was higher. And these are the things that again, we must continue to get that message out because these are the facts.

What are some things that you personally have faced when it comes to being in the position that you're in being the Secretary of State, being the lieutenant governor appointed by Governor Murphy. What are some of the challenges that you think you face just simply for existing? Have you do you get a lot of like people saying because I always feel like in politics anytime we've done interviews with certain people or like I remember being on Fox News, you know, years ago, and I was like, oh, I don't know if I could handle this because the amount of vitriol and the crazy things that people say to you, you know, because of the opinion that you have where things that you may state or how you feel about stuff is absolutely like ridiculously hateful. It actually could feel dangerous at times.

What are some things that you personally have faced when it comes to being in the position that you're in being the Secretary of State, being the lieutenant governor appointed by Governor Murphy. What are some of the challenges that you think you face just simply for existing? Have you do you get a lot of like people saying because I always feel like in politics anytime we've done interviews with certain people or like I remember being on Fox News, you know, years ago, and I was like, oh, I don't know if I could handle this because the amount of vitriol and the crazy things that people say to you, you know, because of the opinion that you have where things that you may state or how you feel about stuff is absolutely like ridiculously hateful. It actually could feel dangerous at times.

Yeah. Well, you know, first, I just want to say I'm very grateful to be in Governor Murphy's administration. Han't been since twenty eighteen, you know, as secretary of State. And the reason why I say this is because you're surrounded right by an administration that is truly inclusive, that is authentic. So you walk into the space with your colleagues, your cabinet colleagues of different genders and races, and it's embraced because that's what our policies of the administration has been following the stronger and fairer that Governor Murphy says. I think that, and I tell young girls this all the time that in any position, government, politics, whatever, you're going to still nonetheless be challenged. But that is why, unfortunately, as much as we don't like to say, but it's the truth. We like to speak truth. You have to make sure that you are the most educated person in the room in what you do, right. I've told my daughters this. You know, when our second daughter, she was a competitive figure skater, right, and we know that minority women really are not in that sport, and so I would always say, Farah, you know you're going to have to work ten times harder. And that's why we also have to make sure our ey's are dotted and our t's are crossed too. I still remember, before I became Secretary of State, I served as a state administrative law judge, and you know, at times there would be challenges because I was a younger judge too. So I don't know for certain whether or not it was female, whether it was my age or my gender, but I would get challenged. And that's why I took great pride in knowing that none of my written decisions ever went up to the appellate division because.

Yeah. Well, you know, first, I just want to say I'm very grateful to be in Governor Murphy's administration. Han't been since twenty eighteen, you know, as secretary of State. And the reason why I say this is because you're surrounded right by an administration that is truly inclusive, that is authentic. So you walk into the space with your colleagues, your cabinet colleagues of different genders and races, and it's embraced because that's what our policies of the administration has been following the stronger and fairer that Governor Murphy says. I think that, and I tell young girls this all the time that in any position, government, politics, whatever, you're going to still nonetheless be challenged. But that is why, unfortunately, as much as we don't like to say, but it's the truth. We like to speak truth. You have to make sure that you are the most educated person in the room in what you do, right. I've told my daughters this. You know, when our second daughter, she was a competitive figure skater, right, and we know that minority women really are not in that sport, and so I would always say, Farah, you know you're going to have to work ten times harder. And that's why we also have to make sure our ey's are dotted and our t's are crossed too. I still remember, before I became Secretary of State, I served as a state administrative law judge, and you know, at times there would be challenges because I was a younger judge too. So I don't know for certain whether or not it was female, whether it was my age or my gender, but I would get challenged. And that's why I took great pride in knowing that none of my written decisions ever went up to the appellate division because.

I did the work.

I did the work.

You do the work, so you know, you look at all of those things and it is what it is. But I think that each of us were made for such a time, for an assignment and to do.

You do the work, so you know, you look at all of those things and it is what it is. But I think that each of us were made for such a time, for an assignment and to do.

And along those lines, let's talk about this mental health build that you passed, because I feel like this all does tie together because mental health is so important, especially no matter what it is, like you said that you do, you'll be challenged and you have to, you know, dot your eyes, crush your teas, make sure that you really know the work and do the work. But at the same time, how do you take care of yourself when things are happening that are outside of your control at times and how you react to things.

And along those lines, let's talk about this mental health build that you passed, because I feel like this all does tie together because mental health is so important, especially no matter what it is, like you said that you do, you'll be challenged and you have to, you know, dot your eyes, crush your teas, make sure that you really know the work and do the work. But at the same time, how do you take care of yourself when things are happening that are outside of your control at times and how you react to things.

So you did sign this mental health buil. Can we talk about that?

So you did sign this mental health buil. Can we talk about that?

Yeah, that was pride and enjoy having signed that because it's kind of personal for me given I have, you know, the daughters who have gone through college and one is actually a senior now and it's a lot of pressure that goes on with that. So with that legislature, they lived through COVID exactly they did. They lived through COVID and you know college is very competitive too, so you know, the legislation was just speaking to the heart of all of this, making sure our college students right will not have a stigma if they needed help, making sure that there's annual training on campuses so that the staff, so that the ras can have a better awareness and education on you know, mental health and being proactive instead of reactive, and what we also did on myself alongside the Higher Education Secretary. I want to say, during the spring of this year, we made the announcement of the twenty four to seven telehealth services because you know, sometimes you want your privacy if you will just to discuss you don't want to head to student services because you never know who and who's going to see you or so you have that other layer of comfort the college students. Because we're always saying our students are our future, which they are there are present in my eyes too well. We want to make sure that their whole and that their needs are met.

Yeah, that was pride and enjoy having signed that because it's kind of personal for me given I have, you know, the daughters who have gone through college and one is actually a senior now and it's a lot of pressure that goes on with that. So with that legislature, they lived through COVID exactly they did. They lived through COVID and you know college is very competitive too, so you know, the legislation was just speaking to the heart of all of this, making sure our college students right will not have a stigma if they needed help, making sure that there's annual training on campuses so that the staff, so that the ras can have a better awareness and education on you know, mental health and being proactive instead of reactive, and what we also did on myself alongside the Higher Education Secretary. I want to say, during the spring of this year, we made the announcement of the twenty four to seven telehealth services because you know, sometimes you want your privacy if you will just to discuss you don't want to head to student services because you never know who and who's going to see you or so you have that other layer of comfort the college students. Because we're always saying our students are our future, which they are there are present in my eyes too well. We want to make sure that their whole and that their needs are met.

I wish we would have had these services when I was coming up. I feel like it's a you know, it's an evolution though, I feel like as people are learning more about it and it's getting a lot more acceptable.

I wish we would have had these services when I was coming up. I feel like it's a you know, it's an evolution though, I feel like as people are learning more about it and it's getting a lot more acceptable.

There used to be this stigma around that.

There used to be this stigma around that.

Lastly, I saw you early voting right on the day that early voting opened up. So we want to make sure that everybody knows to go out and vote.

Lastly, I saw you early voting right on the day that early voting opened up. So we want to make sure that everybody knows to go out and vote.

You can vote early.

You can vote early.

So vote early.

So vote early.

Yeah, vote early if you can.

Yeah, vote early if you can.

Are you nervous about like seeing stories about ballot boxes set on fire?

Are you nervous about like seeing stories about ballot boxes set on fire?

And I thought about it.

And I thought about it.

I'm like, what happens to those ballots that get destroyed after that? Because I've we've seen a couple of different instances now where that's happened, and that because I feel like that can make people feel concer like, well, I voted early and my vote got you know, my ballot got destroyed.

I'm like, what happens to those ballots that get destroyed after that? Because I've we've seen a couple of different instances now where that's happened, and that because I feel like that can make people feel concer like, well, I voted early and my vote got you know, my ballot got destroyed.

Now what happens?

Now what happens?

Yeah. I can't, you know, speak about how every other state conducts their safety protocols or security protocols. I just know I'm loving the early vote records that we're setting in New Jersey. I think this past weekend we surpassed our total early voting throughout the years because we started in twenty twenty one with the in person early voting. I also, you know, I reassure voters and from day one ever since you know, I took office. I've sat down and this is not partisan. It's with all of the governmental law enforcement and safety folk, from the FBI to Homeland Security, both federal, both state, both Attorney General's offices, and also usps IT folk just making sure that we shore up integrity of our infrastructure and just making sure that you know our ballot boxes. We always tell voters they're twenty four to seven surveyed right, and that they can track their ballots, and to have like that open line of communication because I think that that's what voters want. They want you to meet them where you know they are right and explaining and educating them what should we do. And I just think overall everyone is very focused upon the security and the integrity of this election. This is a very consequential election, if not the most consequential election ever in our history. But at the same time, I still want to encourage New Jersey voters to vote for or in for the school board right elections, want them to vote for the fire district elections, all of the local races too.

Yeah. I can't, you know, speak about how every other state conducts their safety protocols or security protocols. I just know I'm loving the early vote records that we're setting in New Jersey. I think this past weekend we surpassed our total early voting throughout the years because we started in twenty twenty one with the in person early voting. I also, you know, I reassure voters and from day one ever since you know, I took office. I've sat down and this is not partisan. It's with all of the governmental law enforcement and safety folk, from the FBI to Homeland Security, both federal, both state, both Attorney General's offices, and also usps IT folk just making sure that we shore up integrity of our infrastructure and just making sure that you know our ballot boxes. We always tell voters they're twenty four to seven surveyed right, and that they can track their ballots, and to have like that open line of communication because I think that that's what voters want. They want you to meet them where you know they are right and explaining and educating them what should we do. And I just think overall everyone is very focused upon the security and the integrity of this election. This is a very consequential election, if not the most consequential election ever in our history. But at the same time, I still want to encourage New Jersey voters to vote for or in for the school board right elections, want them to vote for the fire district elections, all of the local races too.

I tell people, before you go, look at who's on your ballot, and that way when you go, you know who's running, you know who you want to vote and look it up ahead of time so that when you go there do you're not just like guessing or just picking something and the column you know who your candidates are and who you're going to.

I tell people, before you go, look at who's on your ballot, and that way when you go, you know who's running, you know who you want to vote and look it up ahead of time so that when you go there do you're not just like guessing or just picking something and the column you know who your candidates are and who you're going to.

Vote for exactly. But again, I thank all of those who have voters New Jersey voters. I was online, you know for a while the lines were the lines were wrapped around. I visited the polling location, and you know, I credit the voters because everybody was content. Nobody was angry. Was this line so long? And what are they doing wrong? And everyone was actually you know, saying wow and socializing.

Vote for exactly. But again, I thank all of those who have voters New Jersey voters. I was online, you know for a while the lines were the lines were wrapped around. I visited the polling location, and you know, I credit the voters because everybody was content. Nobody was angry. Was this line so long? And what are they doing wrong? And everyone was actually you know, saying wow and socializing.

Yeah.

Yeah.

I loved seeing that they were having, you know, as they're satisfying you know, the civic duty and responsibility.

I loved seeing that they were having, you know, as they're satisfying you know, the civic duty and responsibility.

Well, thank you so much, Secretary of State of News Jersey, Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey, and maybe one day Governor.

Well, thank you so much, Secretary of State of News Jersey, Lieutenant Governor of New Jersey, and maybe one day Governor.

I focus on what I do right. That's what I do right. Focused, seriously. I know you're aad no, no, you know what, Angela, Angela, As I mentioned before, As I mentioned before, I focus on the task at hand. Being Governor Murphy's partner, and it's been you know, it's been a blessing, right working alongside him and the administration for the great nine point three million New Jerseys.

I focus on what I do right. That's what I do right. Focused, seriously. I know you're aad no, no, you know what, Angela, Angela, As I mentioned before, As I mentioned before, I focus on the task at hand. Being Governor Murphy's partner, and it's been you know, it's been a blessing, right working alongside him and the administration for the great nine point three million New Jerseys.

I'm sure he would definitely put his support behind you, though when that day comes.

I'm sure he would definitely put his support behind you, though when that day comes.

Well, I don't, I don't.

Well, I don't, I don't.

I don't speak.

I don't speak.

I don't speak for anything like that. I just know I know what I do, and I do it on behalf of his administration.

I don't speak for anything like that. I just know I know what I do, and I do it on behalf of his administration.

All right, Well, thank you so much for joining us today. One day we have to touch the child to see what it was like with him in the house before it went for girls, and his wife and a dog.

All right, Well, thank you so much for joining us today. One day we have to touch the child to see what it was like with him in the house before it went for girls, and his wife and a dog.

And we have a dog, a male dog. Yeah, to comfort with that.

And we have a dog, a male dog. Yeah, to comfort with that.

All right, Well, thank you so much again. You guys, make sure you get out and vote. Let's not play any games, y'all. It's way up, way up.

All right, Well, thank you so much again. You guys, make sure you get out and vote. Let's not play any games, y'all. It's way up, way up.