Adler was a state senator, Cherry Hill councilman prior to U.S. House term
Former U.S. Rep. John Adler in a 2009 file photo. Adler recently underwent heart surgery.TRENTON — Former state Senator and U.S. Rep. John Adler has died, his law firm confirmed today.
State Sen. Paul Sarlo also made the announcement at the end of a Statehouse hearing today.
Adler had recently undergone emergency heart surgery after contracting staph bacterial endocarditis, according to a statement from his law firm, Greenberg Traurig, last month.
Adler, 51, served just one term in the House before being defeated by U.S. Rep. Jon Runyan (R-3rd. Dist) in November. He joined Greenberg Traurig last month.
"We are saddened at the passing of former U.S. Rep. John Adler. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and to his community," a spokeswoman for the law firm said. "John's dedication to public service and the law were truly inspirational. We were fortunate to have had the opportunity to call him colleague and friend."
Adler was the first Democrat to represent his traditionally Republican congressional district since the late 19th century, and lost narrowly to Runyan after a close and hard fought campaign. Before serving in the House, he was a state senator and Cherry Hill councilman.
“Congressman Adler was a true example of what it means to serve the people," said Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver. “No matter what office he held, the Congressman always advocated fiercely for his constituents and those whose voices otherwise wouldn’t have been heard. He was always at the forefront of the key issues of the day, whether it be ethics, education, a clean environment, public health or property tax reform."
Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean Jr., also extended his condolences today.
"I want to extend my deepest condolences to John's wife, Shelley, their four boys, and the entire Adler family. John was smart, passionate, energetic, and dedicated throughout his long career in public service," Kean said. "He was a friend to all of us in the Senate and a living reminder that it is possible to disagree with one another without being disagreeable. New Jersey is a better place having been served by John Adler. He will be missed."
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