Raymond Zane

Raymond John Zane (July 23, 1939 – January 8, 2024) was an American politician who served in the New Jersey State Senate from 1974 to 2002, where he represented the 3rd Legislative District. First elected in 1973 and re-elected seven times as a Democrat, Zane lost re-election in 2002 as a Republican. Zane ran for his seat as a Republican again in 2003 but ultimately dropped out. In later years, he rejoined the Democratic Party before dying on January 8, 2024, at the age of 84.

Early life and education Born on July 23, 1939, in Woodbury, Zane attended Woodbury Junior-Senior High School. A star pitcher on the school's baseball team, he was signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates and played until his professional career was ended by injury.

Zane earned his undergraduate degree from St. Joseph's College in New York with a major in business administration, then earned his J.D. from Rutgers School of Law–Camden. He was an attorney by profession with the firm of Zane and Lozuke.

Elected office Before serving in the New Jersey Legislature, Zane was a member of the Gloucester County, New Jersey Board of Chosen Freeholders from 1972 to 1974.

Zane served in the Senate as the Assistant Majority Leader from 1986 to 1989, as the Deputy Assistant Minority Leader from 1992 to 1998 and as Deputy Minority Leader starting in 1998. He served there on the Judiciary Committee and the Legislative Oversight Committee. Starting in 2000, Zane's paid positions were gradually stripped away from him, including a $40,000 a year position with the Gloucester County Improvement Authority.

Zane went unchallenged in the Republican primary, but was defeated by Sweeney in the 2001 general elections by a margin of 51.5%-48.5%. Sweeney was aided by the strong support of Camden County Democratic head George Norcross III in the Camden portion of the district.