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The chairperson of the Democratic National Committee, Jaime Harrison, said he was \"devastated\" by Oliver's death, calling her someone who \"exemplified the very best of what a public servant should be -- humble, selfless, and always looking to extend a hand to those who needed it most.\"

\"She was the first Black woman to serve as speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly -- the second Black woman in our country to lead a legislative chamber -- and the first woman of color elected to statewide office in New Jersey. She will be greatly missed, but I have no doubt that her legacy will live on in the lives she touched through her lifetime of service,\" Harrison said in a statement.

Former New Jersey governor and 2024 presidential candidate Chris Christie tweeted, \"It is a sad day for NJ and for me personally.\"

\"I will miss Sheila. She served as Speaker in my first term and we treated each other with kindness and respect,\" Christie said. \"She was a great person and partner.\"

ABC News' Fritz Farrow contributed to this report.

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