Assembly Majority Whip Carol Murphy, a candidate for the Democratic nomination for Congress in New Jersey’s 3rd district, released the following statement today after U.S. District Court Judge Zahid Quraishi granted a preliminary injunction that ends the organization line for the 2024 primary election and mandates office block voting:
“Since announcing my candidacy for Congress, I’ve stood with Andy Kim in advocating for an open primary to county party chairs. Today’s federal ruling is a victory for democracy — voters, not party insiders, will decide who wins the Democratic nomination. This is also a victory for women because this archaic system has played a crushing role in suppressing women’s voices. As a result of the line, only seven women have ever represented New Jersey in Congress — and zero from South Jersey.
“I’ve felt the pressure of a system that too often tells women they need not apply. Shortly after announcing my candidacy, some party elite members suggested I should wait my turn and even consider how I would be punished if I refused to back down. Today’s ruling allows for an equitable and fair chance, as the people’s choice will rule the day.
“With tremendous enthusiasm, I will forge ahead with my grassroots campaign to win the hearts and minds of voters across New Jersey’s Third Congressional District during the next ten weeks leading up to the June 4th Democratic Primary. I embrace our new reality, where the trust of deciding elections in New Jersey will reside with the people.”