First Lady Tammy Murphy’s U.S. Senate campaign received a major boost tonight with an endorsement from Senate President Nicholas Scutari, the Union County Democratic Chairman.
Murphy is seeking the seat of U.S. Senator Bob Menendez, who has not said if he will seek re-election next year; he was indicted on federal corruption charges in September. Scutari called for Menendez’s resignation on the day of the indictment.
“It has become clear to me that the best choice for New Jerseyans is Tammy Murphy,” Scutari stated. “Tammy is committed to the very same issues we are tackling in the New Jersey Senate: reducing the wealth gap and making New Jersey more affordable, protecting a woman’s inalienable right to choose, and strengthening the future of New Jersey’s children through better schools and a new energy economy.”
Scutari said this was a personal endorsement only and that the Democratic municipal chairs will meet next year to award the organization line in Union County. He said the process would include other candidates.
“I will fully support the candidate chosen for endorsement by our process,” said Scutari.
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Two weeks ago, the municipal chairs interviewed Murphy, Rep. Andy Kim (D-Moorestown), and another prospective candidate, former Rep. Tom Malinowski (D-Ringoes). Scutari said those meetings led to positive feedback for Murphy, a businesswoman and the wife of Gov. Phil Murphy.
“I am humbled and extremely grateful to receive the endorsement of the Union County Democratic Committee Chairman and Senate President Scutari,” said Murphy. “Over the last six years, I’ve personally visited Union County multiple times, from participating in phone banking during Get Out the Vote launches to attending celebrations in and with the incredible communities. I thank Chairman and President Scutari for his leadership and look forward to continuing our work together to ensure that our state and all New Jersey residents are best represented in Washington.”
Union County has 178,941 registered Democrats, the 8th largest in the state; Union makes up 7% of all New Jersey Democrats.
Murphy has already won endorsements from Democratic county chairs in Essex, Bergen, Middlesex, Hudson, Camden, Somerset, and Passaic counties.