Middlesex, Bergen back Tammy Murphy

Two of the most voter-rich Democratic counties in the state, Middlesex and Bergen, have endorsed First Lady Tammy Murphy for U.S. Senate.

Middlesex County Democratic Chairman Kevin McCabe and Bergen County Democratic Chairman Paul Juliano announced their support for Murphy today.

“Tammy has delivered meaningful progress on issues of maternal and infant health and climate change. Moreover, I believe she will be a strong advocate on the issues that are important for us in Middlesex County: affordability, investing in strengthening our local economy and the future of the region’s workforce, keeping our families safe, and protecting the freedom for a woman’s right to choose,” McCabe said.  “She has continuously supported Middlesex County and will do the same as a United States Senator.

Juliano said that the Senate race puts the state “at the cusp of making history.”

“We have the opportunity to shatter another glass ceiling by electing a woman to the United States Senate for the first time in our state’s history.  Tammy Murphy has proven to be a determined and unwavering champion for New Jersey families and accomplished so much to build a stronger future for our state,” stated Juliano.  “She has taken on many of the toughest issues we face today, including building nationally leading programs to protect the health of mothers and children and to combat the urgent threat of climate change.

Bergen has the second-most number of registered Democrats in the state, and Middlesex ranks third.  Together, they represent 20% of the Democrats in the state.

Murphy faces Rep. Andy Kim (D-Moorestown) — and maybe indicted incumbent Bob Menendez — in the Democratic primary.

Support from McCabe and Juliano is no surprise; the New Jersey Globe first reported their intent to support Murphy on Wednesday.

Murphy has already received endorsements from Democratic county chairs in Hudson and Camden; her four counties so far make up 36% of the total vote in a statewide Democratic primary, although there is no assurance that she will win those counties.

Kim released an internal poll on Wednesday, one hour after Murphy entered the race, showing a 19-point lead among likely Democratic primary voters.

McCabe pointed to next year’s election as a “pivotal year for the future of our country.”

“Not only will we work to re-elect President Biden, but we in New Jersey will soon send a new United States Senator to Washington who will help move this country past dysfunction and in a positive direction,” he said.  “I firmly believe that for the good of our country, it is absolutely critical that a Democrat continues in that position. Therefore, to achieve this goal, I believe the best candidate for the United States Senate is Tammy Murphy.”