Scarinci: Philip D. Murphy for President

A Phil Murphy candidacy for President of the United States would excite New Jersey Democrats and energize the Democratic Party nationally.

While President Joe Biden currently has a lock on the Democratic nomination in 2024, if that should change, NJ Democrats should be ready with candidate Phil Murphy.  If president is not in the cards for 2024, as a big Democratic money state, NJ Dems should rally around the Governor to accept a key role in Biden’s cabinet and to help position Murphy for 2028.

Woodrow Wilson is the only governor from New Jersey to reach the White House. Several New Jersey politicians have tried and failed, including Senator Bill Bradley in 2000, Governor Chris Christie in 2016, and Senator Cory Booker in 2020. While Cory Booker would make NJ Democrats proud, his talent and seniority in the Senate have made him an effective advocate in Washington, DC during this challenging time.

Murphy’s experience in business, as an ambassador, and as a two-term Governor who has effectively navigated the treacherous political waters of New Jersey make him the President America needs right now.

Leadership in a Crisis

During Phil Murphy’s tenure, the state has implemented a $15 minimum wage, legalized marijuana, strengthened gun-control laws, guaranteed paid sick leave for workers, and significantly reduced the state’s pension debt. More recently, his administration has turned its attention to broader initiatives in environmental justice, climate change, and healthcare.

Murphy has a long list of accomplishments, but his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic sets him apart. In the early days of the crisis, he acted decisively to keep residents safe. He quickly closed schools and businesses and kept them closed despite intense pressure to lift restrictions.

Murphy conducted near-weekly coronavirus press briefings to keep residents informed. He held 250 COVID briefings over the course of two years, more than any other state leader. He explained what the state was doing to address the pandemic and provided facts supporting each action. He also memorialized several residents who had lost their lives. The success of the briefings lead Murphy to become a regular guest on national news shows.

Beyond addressing the health crisis, Murphy responded effectively to the resulting economic challenges. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s (NJEDA) COVID-19 initiatives included grants for small businesses, zero-interest loans for mid-size companies, support for private-sector lenders and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), and funding for entrepreneurs. In the face of housing challenges, the Murphy Administration paused evictions and foreclosures.

Murphy is now tackling another crisis – youth mental health. He made it his top initiative as chair of the National Governors Association (NGA), characterizing mental health as an issue that transcends both state and party lines. At the recent NGA annual meeting in Atlantic City, Murphy unveiled “Strengthening Youth Mental Health: A Governor’s Playbook.” The policy recommendations are the result of yearlong discussions with more than 500 stakeholders and are intended to help states address youth mental health challenges, which have increased significantly in recent years.

Gov. Murphy Gaining National Prominence

Gov. Murphy has also made a name for himself outside of New Jersey, serving as chair of both the NGA and the Democratic Governors Association. He recently hosted the 115th annual NGA meeting, closing out his tenure as chair. He will continue to serve as Chair of the Democratic Governors Association, which is looking to build on the party’s success during the historic 2022-election cycle.

While Murphy (and other top Democrats) have all said that they will not challenge Biden, Murphy should be eyeing a bigger stage when his term ends. Whether that road leads to the White House is still up for debate. If Phil Murphy does not eventually run for President, the American people will think that Chris Christie is the best New Jersey has to offer. Even worse, Murphy’s impressive record of accomplishments as Governor will remain unknown to the rest of America.