Trenton, New Jersey – Tammy Murphy, wife of Governor Phil Murphy, has officially withdrawn from the Senate primary race, leaving Rep. Andy Kim as the sole major candidate vying for the seat of Senator Bob Menendez in New Jersey.
In a video announcement, Murphy stated her decision to suspend her campaign, citing concerns about engaging in a divisive and negative race. Despite garnering support from prominent state politicians and party leaders, Murphy faced challenges related to her qualifications and perceived ties to the governor’s office.
According to reports, Murphy made the decision based on a narrow path to victory, which would have required significant self-funding for her campaign. Meanwhile, Kim has gained momentum in recent months, securing key endorsements and winning over voters in county ballots.
With Murphy’s exit, the fate of her county endorsements now hangs in the balance, as each party will decide whether to transfer their support to Kim. The congressman has taken legal action against the state over the endorsement ballot lines, challenging the practice as undemocratic.
While Murphy did not explicitly endorse Kim in her withdrawal announcement, she emphasized the importance of party unity and shifting focus to support the Biden campaign. She highlighted the need to prioritize Democratic victories and unity in the face of challenges posed by the current political climate.
Menendez, who faces corruption charges, will not participate in the primary, potentially opening the door for an independent run in the general election. The shifting dynamics of the Senate race in New Jersey reflect broader divisions and strategies within the Democratic Party as the campaign season unfolds.