Chuck Haytaian

Garabed "Chuck" Haytaian (January 28, 1938 – November 1, 2024) was an American Republican Party politician, who was the Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly during the 'tax revolt' of the James Florio – Christine Todd Whitman era. He was of Armenian descent.

Chuck Haytaian
164th Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly
In office January 10, 1992 – January 9, 1996
Preceded by	Joseph Doria
Succeeded by	Jack Collins
Member of the New Jersey General Assembly
In office January 12, 1982 – January 9, 1996 Serving with Leonard Lance
Preceded by	Leanna Brown Dean Gallo
Succeeded by	Connie Myers
Constituency	24th district (1982–1992) 23rd district (1992–1996)
Personal details
Born	(1938-01-28)January 28, 1938 New York City, New York, U.S.
Died	November 1, 2024(2024-11-01) (aged 86)
Political party	Republican
Education	University of Alabama (BS)

Political career

Haytaian served in the General Assembly from 1982 to 1996. In 1994, he staged an unsuccessful bid for a seat in the United States Senate, falling to incumbent Frank Lautenberg, 50%−47%.^[1] Haytaian was the Chairman of the New Jersey Republican State Committee from 1995 to 2001.

Sexual harassment accusation

In 1996, Beth Herbert, an administrative assistant at the State House, brought sexual harassment charges against Haytaian. She claimed that over a fifteen-month period, Haytaian would periodically call her into his office and molest her. The worst incidents, according to Herbert, took place after his failed Senate bid in 1994. Haytaian in turn filed charges against Herbert for defamation.^[2]

The State paid Herbert $175,000 in a settlement to avoid what they believed would be a more costly legal battle.^[3]

Personal life and death

Haytaian was born in the Bronx on January 28, 1938.^[4] He was a resident of Independence Township, New Jersey.^[5]

Haytaian died on November 1, 2024, at the age of 86.^[6][7]

See also

• List of American politicians of Armenian descent