Tammy Murphy: The First Lady of New Jersey Making a Run For Senate in 2024
From day one of her husband Phil Murphy’s governorship, Tammy Murphy was viewed as a candidate in waiting. It was clear that when voters elected Phil Murphy, they were also getting his wife who took on a policy portfolio and closely followed his schedule.
Now, Murphy has announced her candidacy for the 2024 Senate seat, currently held by indicted Democrat Bob Menendez, setting up a yearlong battle for the position. This wealthy former Republican turned Democrat is poised to leverage the state’s political boss system to secure a victory and represent one of New Jersey’s most powerful seats in Washington.
Although her candidacy has faced criticism for being the “express lane” to replace Menendez, the deck seems stacked in her favor with several key endorsements from powerful Democratic organizations across the state.
Considered to be a vital part of her husband’s administration, Murphy has raised $56 million for relief efforts and worked to close racial disparities in maternal mortality. Her policy work and advocacy have made her an appealing figure for many voters.
Despite the progressive support for her opponent, Andy Kim, Murphy’s involvement and dedication to the state might give her the edge in the Democratic primary. Her commitment to reducing racial disparities in maternal mortality has resonated with Black voters, a significant part of the Democratic base.
However, Murphy also carries some political baggage, including her involvement in a political nonprofit and a lawsuit against the State Police. Nevertheless, her entry into the Senate race has certainly created a political storm and is expected to be a heated battle until Election Day in 2024.
