New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy Ends Senate Campaign for Menendez's Seat

Tammy Murphy, the wife of New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, announced the suspension of her U.S. Senate bid on Sunday, following criticisms that her campaign was driven by nepotism.

As the first lady of the Garden State, Murphy had sought the Democratic nomination for the upcoming U.S. Senate election, prompted by Senator Bob Menendez's federal corruption charges.

New Jersey's first lady Tammy Murphy suspends Senate campaign for Bob Menendez's seat https://t.co/V7fcZ9iJoN

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Menendez recently indicated he would not run as a Democrat and mulled the possibility of an independent candidacy.

Murphy's primary opponent, Representative Andy Kim, D-N.J., who has served since 2019, emerged as a formidable contender in the race. In a video statement posted on X, Murphy cited the "enormous challenges" facing New Jersey as a driving factor in her decision.

"After many months of robust campaigning, I am suspending my Senate campaign today," Murphy announced. She attributed her withdrawal to her reluctance to engage in "a very divisive and negative campaign."

"With Donald Trump on the ballot and so much at stake for our nation, I will not, in good conscience, expend resources tearing down a fellow Democrat instead of focusing on solutions and the future," Murphy asserted. "My campaign has prioritized solutions for families and a vision for the next generation."

Murphy criticized former President Donald Trump, labeling him a "dangerous threat" and urging Democrats to foster unity.

"Amid significant national threats fueled by Donald Trump and far-right extremists, it's crucial to unite rather than divide," she emphasized. "I will now dedicate my efforts to reelecting President Biden and securing Democratic victories across New Jersey."

"I am eager to collaborate with you to ensure our communities remain affordable, our rights safeguarded, and our futures protected," Murphy concluded.

Critics have accused Murphy of leveraging her husband's position as governor to advance her candidacy.

Shortly after announcing her Senate bid, she garnered endorsements from four New Jersey congressmen, a move that heightened perceptions of nepotism surrounding her campaign.