Joseph V. Egan (born February 27, 1938) is an American Democratic Party politician, who represented the 17th Legislative District in the New Jersey General Assembly from 2002 to 2024. He was succeeded in the Assembly by his son, Kevin Egan. Egan served in the General Assembly as the Deputy Majority Leader starting in 2008.

Early life and education

Egan was born on February 27, 1938, in New Brunswick, New Jersey. He attended St. Peter the Apostle High School and shortly thereafter joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (I.B.E.W.) Local Union 456. He served on the New Brunswick City Council from 1982 to 2010 and was council president for nine years.

New Jersey Assembly

In November 2001, Egan was elected to the General Assembly from the 17th District succeeding Bob Smith who was elected to the State Senate and Jerry Green who was redistricted to the 22nd District. From 2002 to 2010, Egan simultaneously held a seat in the New Jersey General Assembly and on the New Brunswick City Council. This dual position, often called double dipping, had been allowed under a grandfather clause in the state law enacted by the New Jersey Legislature and signed into law by Governor of New Jersey Jon Corzine in September 2007 that prevents dual-office-holding but allows those who had held both positions as of February 1, 2008, to retain both posts.

Personal life

Egan is Business Manager for the I.B.E.W. Local 456. He is a former president of the union's executive board. Egan continues to reside in New Brunswick. He was married to his wife Yolanda from 1959 until her death in 2019; they shared four children and seven grandchildren. Egan's son Kevin succeeded him on the New Brunswick City Council after Egan retired from it in 2010. Egan is a member of the St. Peter The Apostle Church Parish and is a former vice president of the parish council. His son-in-law is Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Craig Biggio. Egan's grandson, Cavan Biggio, is a utility player for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Electoral history

New Jersey Assembly