You might’ve noticed it while driving past the post office or a local school this morning. The colors aren't at the top of the pole. If you're wondering about nj flags half mast today, it's because New Jersey is currently in a rare, back-to-back period of mourning for two heavyweights of Garden State politics.
Actually, as of today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, the flags are technically scheduled to return to full staff at sunrise, but there is a major second order kicking in very soon. Governor Phil Murphy recently signed two separate executive orders within days of each other. It’s a somber start to the year for the state house in Trenton.
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The Honor for Congressman Dick Zimmer
The most recent lowering was for former U.S. Congressman Richard Alan “Dick” Zimmer. Governor Murphy issued Executive Order No. 412, which directed both the American and New Jersey flags to fly at half-staff from Friday, January 16, through sunset on Saturday, January 17.
Zimmer was a massive figure in NJ law. He died on New Year's Eve at the age of 81. If you’ve ever heard of Megan’s Law, you know his work. He was the primary sponsor of that legislation back in the 90s, which changed how communities are notified about sex offenders. He represented the 12th District for three terms and was known as a "fiscal hawk"—basically, he was obsessed with government transparency and watching every penny of taxpayer money.
Coming Up: Remembering Governor Dick Codey
If you see the flags go back down again in a few days, don't be confused. We are about to enter another mourning period for a true Jersey legend: former Governor Richard "Dick" Codey.
Codey passed away on January 11, 2026. He wasn't just a governor; he was the longest-serving legislator in the history of New Jersey. Think about that for a second. He spent half a century in the State House. Murphy signed Executive Order No. 413 to honor him.
- Dates: Thursday, January 22, 2026, through sunset on Saturday, January 24, 2026.
- Reason: Honoring the life and "fierce leadership" of Governor Codey.
- Legacy: He was a massive advocate for mental health and was the guy who signed the Smoke-Free Air Act.
Honestly, Codey was the kind of politician they don't really make anymore. He was known for his "everyman" vibe and his habit of coaching youth basketball even while he was running the state. Seeing the nj flags half mast for him feels like the end of an era for many folks in Essex County and beyond.
How the Process Actually Works
A lot of people think the President is the only one who can call for flags to be lowered. That’s a total myth. While the President handles national proclamations (like for Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day or the passing of a Supreme Court Justice), the Governor has the authority to lower them for state-level figures or local tragedies.
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In New Jersey, this is handled through the Department of State. They have an electronic notification system because, let's face it, keeping track of these executive orders is a full-time job.
Why do we say "Half-Mast" anyway?
Technically, if it’s on land, it’s "half-staff." If it’s on a ship, it’s "half-mast." But honestly? Everyone uses them interchangeably now. If you say "nj flags half mast," everyone knows exactly what you’re talking about.
The protocol is actually kind of specific. You don't just hoist the flag halfway up and stop. You’re supposed to briskly hoist it to the very peak for an instant and then ceremoniously lower it to the half-staff position. When it comes down for the night, you hoist it back to the peak again before lowering it all the way. It’s all about the symbolism of the "invisible flag of death" that supposedly flies above the visible one.
What You Should Do
If you manage a building or have a flagpole at home, following these orders is a sign of respect, though it's generally only mandatory for government buildings.
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- Check the Date: The Zimmer order ended Saturday night. The Codey order begins the morning of January 22.
- Timing: Flags should be lowered at "appropriate hours," usually sunrise to sunset.
- Local Variations: Sometimes a Mayor will order local flags down for a town hero or a fallen first responder, even if the Governor hasn't issued a statewide order.
It’s been a heavy month for New Jersey's public servants. Between Zimmer’s legacy of child safety and Codey’s decades of service, the lowered flags are a rare moment where the state hits the pause button to recognize the people who actually built the laws we live under every day.
To stay updated on future changes to flag status, you can sign up for alerts directly through the New Jersey Department of State website or check the Governor's official press release page. Knowing the "why" behind the flag makes that commute past the local firehouse feel a little more meaningful.