Carol Murphy shows interest in Kim congressional seat

Assembly Majority Whip Carol Murphy (D-Mount Laurel) said she will wait until after November 7 to decide if she will seek Andy Kim’s open House seat in New Jersey’s 3rd district, but South Jersey Democratic sources told the New Jersey Globe that she is extraordinarily likely to enter the race.

Kim, a  three-term congressman, announced today that he would challenge indicted incumbent Bob Menendez in the Democratic U.S. Senate primary next year.

“I know how important a moment this is for women as we have seen so many of the rights and freedoms we enjoy deeply at risk and eradicated by activist jurists and state legislatures,” said Murphy.  “It cannot be lost that only 28.7% of Congress is female, only two female members in Congress from New Jersey, and never has a woman from South Jersey served in the U.S. House of Representatives.”

Earlier today, Senate Majority Whip Troy Singleton (D-Delran) also indicated an interest in running for Kim’s seat.

A three-term assemblywoman, Murphy has ties to the Mercer County portion of the 3rd district: she served as chief of staff to State Sen. Linda Greenstein (D-Plainsboro).

Singleton and Murphy are running mates and seeking re-election in the 7th legislative district.

“As a full-time lawmaker, my commitment to work tirelessly for our state and earn the trust of the public drives me to make a difference, and I view public service as a massive privilege,” Murphy said.  “I’m truly humbled serving my neighbors at the state capitol and in our community as state assemblywoman in the 7th Legislative District. And as I make my official decision, consulting with family, friends, and my team, I weigh heavily how I can best fight for the priorities and values that makes New Jersey a wonderful place to live.”

While Singleton endorsed Kim for U.S. Senate, Murphy didn’t indicate her choice.  But Murphy and Singleton both called on Menendez to resign following his indictment on federal corruption charges on Friday.