Murphy endorses Hochul in N.Y. governor’s race

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has endorsed his across-the-river colleague, Gov. Kathy Hochul, for the Democratic nomination for governor of New York.

“Since taking office, Governor Hochul has hit the ground running to deliver immediate results and ensure New York State government works for every family,” Murphy said. “From issues ranging from coordinating public health measures to moving the Gateway Program forward to combating gun violence, she’s always worked collaboratively and put progress over politics.”

Hochul and Murphy have built a strong relationship since she succeeded Gov. Andrew Cuomo in August.

“I know we have a strong and capable partner in Governor Hochul, which is why I’m eager to endorse her for a full term as governor of New York,” said Murphy, who will serve as vice chairman of the Democratic Governors Association this year.

Murphy’s support of Hochul reunited him with two key players in his own re-election campaign,

Jerrel Harvey, who served as Murphy’s deputy press secretary and then ran the campaign media operation, is Hochul’s communications director.  Miguel Arreola, who was the Murphy campaign research director, now holds the same role with the Hochul campaign.

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf and Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont also joined Murphy in making the endorsement.

“It is a tremendous honor to receive the endorsement of my fellow governors,” stated Hochul. “Whether it’s a coordinated response to the pandemic or a comprehensive strategy to prevent gun violence, our impact is greater when we tackle the tough issues we face not only as individual states but as a region.”