Gov. Phil Murphy has endorsed State Sen. Richard J. Codey (D-Roseland) for re-election in the 27th district, taking sides two days before he faces another incumbent, State Sen. Nia Gill (D-Montclair), in the Democratic primary.
Murphy also supports Assemblyman John McKeon (D-West Orange) and Alixon Collazos-Gill for State Assembly. Both are running on the Essex Democratic organization line with Codey and face primary challenges on Tuesday.
“Since he entered the legislature nearly 50 years ago, Senator Codey has been a dedicated and hardworking public servant — advocating for better care for individuals with mental illness, establishing the State’s Charity Care program, and making our schools and communities safer,” Murphy said. “ I know he’ll build on this impressive track record with another term in the Senate.”
Codey, who served as governor from 2004 to 2006, was an early supporter of Murphy’s 2017 bid for governor. His support came at a time when Murphy, the former U.S. Ambassador to Germany, was widely viewed to be in third place in the race.
Murphy also stressed his relationships with McKeon and Collazos-Gill, who served as the Latino outreach coordinator in his 2017 campaign.
He called McKeon “one of my strongest partners in the legislature over the past five and a half years.”
“From establishing himself as a leading environmental champion to sponsoring nation-leading gun safety and prescription drug relief legislation, John has been an effective legislator on many issues,” the governor stated. “I know he’ll continue working hard on behalf of his constituents with another term in office.
Murphy said Collazos-Gill “will be a tremendous addition to the Assembly, bringing a fresh perspective and new ideas to the job.”
“Alixon is the embodiment of the American Dream — an immigrant from Colombia, first-generation college graduate, and working mom who has established herself as a well-respected community leader,” he said. “From protecting women’s reproductive rights to increasing funding for our public schools, Alixon is committed to making sure the American Dream is within reach for the next generation.”
Redistricting put Codey and Gill into the same district. Codey has been in the Senate since 1982 and Gill since 2002.
McKeon and Collazos-Gill face challenges from former Montclair school board member Eve Robinson, who is running with Senator Gill, and former Assemblyman Craig Stanley.
“I couldn’t be more excited to endorse such an experienced and diverse team,” said Murphy.