New Jersey Flags Flown at Half-Staff for Cunningham
State officials honored the late Senator Sandra Bolden Cunningham with an order to lower flags.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Military
New Jersey flags are at half-staff on October 13, 2026, to honor the life and service of the late State Senator Sandra Bolden Cunningham. Acting Governor Nicholas Scutari signed Executive Order No. 27 to authorize the tribute.
Why it matters
The order serves as a formal recognition of Cunningham's extensive career and legacy in public office. It follows her passing on October 6, 2026, at the age of 76.
Sandra Bolden Cunningham served the 31st Legislative District for over 16 years after her 2007 election. The directive to lower flags was formalized through Executive Order No. 27.
The players
Sandra Bolden Cunningham
She was a long-serving New Jersey State Senator who represented the 31st Legislative District for over 16 years.
Nicholas Scutari
He is the Acting Governor of New Jersey who signed Executive Order No. 27 to honor the late senator.
The details
Acting Governor Nicholas Scutari issued the order on October 9, 2026, directing all state departments and agencies to lower their flags. The measure highlights Cunningham's tenure, which included roles such as Majority Whip and Senate President Pro Tempore before her 2024 retirement.
Timeline
2007: Sandra Bolden Cunningham was elected to the New Jersey State Senate.
2024: Cunningham retired from her Senate seat after 16 years of service.
October 6, 2026: Sandra Bolden Cunningham died at the age of 76.
October 13, 2026: Flags are flown at half-staff across New Jersey.
Political Context
New Jersey Executive Order No. 27 follows standard state protocols for recognizing the passing of significant public servants. Opposition to such tributes typically centers on debates regarding the frequency of flag-lowering and the criteria for designating state-wide mourning periods.
Residents across New Jersey will see state buildings and facilities flying flags at half-staff throughout the day. This official observance serves as the primary way citizens are notified of the state's recognition of Cunningham's service.
The takeaway
The lowering of flags provides a unified way for a state to recognize the passing of a career legislator. It marks a moment for the public to reflect on the legacy left by officials who served their districts for over a decade.
Further reading
Learn more about official state tributes and protocols at the New Jersey Military section.
