Murphy, Kim make endorsements for DNC leadership roles

Gov. Phil Murphy dipped his toes into the Democratic National Committee’s leadership elections, making an endorsement in the DNC’s finance chair and secretary races.

Murphy endorsed Marilyn Davis for DNC secretary, according to a Thursday release. Davis, a former deputy chief of staff to former Gov. Jon Corzine, also held roles in Corzine’s Senate and gubernatorial campaigns and in John Kerry’s 2004 presidential campaign and Barack Obama’s 2012 presidential campaign.

Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way and First Lady Tammy Murphy also endorsed Davis.

“Marilyn is a successful small business owner, veteran of five presidential campaigns, and longtime party leader and operative,” Murphy said in the release. “She’s committed to doing the hard work necessary to unite our party and build the infrastructure necessary so we can win all across the country.”

The DNC will elect new leaders on Saturday.

Davis is challenging Jason Rae, who has served as the DNC’s secretary since 2017.

“I’m committed to bringing all of my experiences to bear and laying the groundwork for a stronger and more transparent, accountable, and engaged Democratic Party,” Davis said in the release. “I’m incredibly grateful to be endorsed by Governor Murphy, Lieutenant Governor Way, and First Lady Tammy Murphy, who have all been deeply engaged in building up our party both in New Jersey and on the national level.”

Murphy, a former DNC finance chair, also endorsed Chris Korge, who has served as the DNC’s finance chair since 2019.

Senator Andy Kim is taking a different side in the finance chair race, though. New Jersey’s junior senator endorsed Tim Lim, who has worked for four presidential campaigns and raised money for Kim. 

Murphy penned an op-ed in MSNBC on Thursday detailing the path the party should take. The governor isn’t making an endorsement in the heated race for DNC chair, though.