Tammy Murphy drops out of New Jersey Senate primary

Tammy Murphy, wife of Gov. Phil Murphy (DN.J.), wrapped up her primary campaign in the Senate race on Sunday.

This announcement abruptly ended a Senate candidacy that had started with high expectations, leaving Representative Andy Kim (D.N.J.) as the only remaining major candidate to replace Sen. Bob Menendez (D.N.J.). Became a candidate.

Murphy: “After a busy, exhilarating, and admittedly difficult few months, I am suspending my Senate campaign today.” Announced in video. “I’ve always been honest and true to the facts. But it’s clear to me that continuing this race means running a very divisive negative campaign, and I don’t want to do anything like that.” I don’t want to do that.”

Murphy has struggled to overcome concerns about his qualifications and ties to the governor’s office, despite a series of strong endorsements from much of the state’s congressional delegation and support from powerful county party leaders. did.

The New Jersey Globe reported. Murphy made the decision on Saturday because his path to victory was narrow and he needed to raise a significant amount of his own campaign funds.

Kim has gained momentum in recent months, defeating Murphy in small county votes. Until last week, the race was considered a close contest by state politicians, citing Kim’s voter enthusiasm and Murphy’s strong support.

Murphy’s resignation raises questions about her pro-county policy. The county parties that supported Mr. Murphy will now decide whether to give Mr. Kim their coveted support slots.

Kim has sued the state over the voting quota, arguing that this unique practice is undemocratic and allows party leadership to unfairly favor certain candidates over others. ing. The state announced last week that it would not fight the lawsuit.

Mr. Murphy holds the field in some of the state’s most populous counties and had an advantage over Mr. Kim in the primary, but a victory in Mr. Kim’s case could erase that advantage. It will disappear.

Murphy did not name or endorse Kim in his announcement, but encouraged party unity.

“With Donald Trump on the ballot and so much at stake for our country, it is unconscionable to waste resources tearing apart fellow Democrats instead of talking about process and politics. I have no regrets,” she said. “New Jersey’s next senator must focus on the issues of our time and not become obsessed with defeating others while dividing our party and the people of our state. ”

He said his focus will now shift to supporting the Biden campaign.

“And now, as we face grave and dangerous threats at the national level thanks to Donald Trump and far-right extremists, it’s time to come together, not divide,” Murphy said. “I am now focused on re-electing President Biden and ensuring Democratic wins in the vote across New Jersey.”

Menendez is not participating in the primary because he is fighting corruption charges, but last week he indicated he might run as an independent candidate in the general election.