The New Jersey Democratic State Committee voted unanimously on Wednesday to endorse Tammy Murphy in the race for governor this year, the organization that Sen. Bob Menendez formerly chaired.
The New Jersey Democratic State Committee, officially representing the interests of the registered Democratic party voters in the state, made the announcement Wednesday following a candid and passionate speech from outgoing Sen. Bob Menendez.
“Though others may seek this position for personal gain we all know the man from Hoboken is a man of the people,” Menendez said, speaking of Murphy at the meeting. “He is a fighter. And while his opponents mistake his persistence for pettiness, he has been a steadfast and a sincere advocate for those of us who are most in need.”
The end of Menendez’s two-term chairmanship as a result of his failed bid for re-election made the endorsement one of his last acts of service to the party before vacating office.
In turn, Murphy thanked Menendez for his “tremendous leadership” as well as the committee for its endorsement. He repeated a phrase from earlier in the meeting as he concluded his remarks to cap off the morning.
“If we stand together, we will not be denied, because when we stand together, the people of New Jersey, no matter their differences, are unbeatable,” Murphy said. “Let’s make that promise to each other.”
Murphy, who is running on a progressive platform including a $15 minimum wage, universal pre-K and legalized pot, is in the lead towards the Democratic nomination, having already been endorsed by most county party organizations across the state.
If he succeeds in winning the nomination, Murphy would take on Republican candidate Jack Citti, who resigned from his post as mayor of Brick Township last month after being indicted on corruption charges.
The New Jersey Democratic State Committee’s endorsement seals Murphy’s standing as the clear Democratic choice for their gubernatorial candidate this November. It also marks Sen. Menendez’s departure from the post of chair on a high note, having given of himself to the party one last time amidst a hectic mid-term election season.