Jim Johnson, Murphy’s 2017 opponent, joins Clarke Senate campaign

Jim Johnson, the runner-up in the 2017 Democratic gubernatorial primary behind now-Gov. Phil Murphy, has joined the State Senate campaign of Christine Clarke as its campaign chairman.

“I am delighted to welcome Jim to the team,” said Clarke. “His advice and friendship in recent years has been invaluable. Our conversations about policy-driven activism and community-centered leadership have improved much of what I do in this race as a candidate and in my private life as a volunteer.”

Until the beginning of the summer, Johnson served as New York City corporation counsel under Mayor Bill de Blasio. Before that, he worked for Murphy as special counsel for the state takeover of Atlantic City.

Clarke is running for the 26th legislative district against State Sen. Joe Pennacchio (R-Montville); the suburban North Jersey district has not elected a Democrat to the legislature since 1979.