New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy is dropping out of the race for U.S. Senate to replace Sen. Bob Menendez, she said on Sunday. Her decision comes just four months after Murphy announced her campaign.
“I have been genuine and factual throughout but it is clear to me that continuing in this race will involve waging a very divisive and negative campaign, which I am not willing to do,” Murphy said in a video statement released on social media.
Murphy, who is married to New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, seemed to have an advantage in the Democratic primary race considering her relationship with the most powerful politician in the state. But despite the support she received after originally announcing her bid, she seemingly failed to keep that momentum going with fellow Democrats. She performed poorly in the only statewide poll – scoring behind competitor, and fellow Dem, Rep. Andy Kim – and in several convention contests.
Last month, Kim stunned his competitor when he managed to score 20 points higher than Murphy in her own home county.
Menendez, who’s been indicted on corruption and bribery charges, said last week he would not be running on the Democratic line in the race, saying he hopes to position himself as an independent instead.
The primary is set for June 4.
Murphy did not directly reference Kim – but said she planned to redirect her energy toward ensuring that President Joe Biden wins his current bid for reelection. She said the Democratic party needed to remain united ahead of November’s general election – and she did not want to encourage any division in a presidential election where Biden is expected to run against former President Donald Trump again.
“With Donald Trump on the ballot, and so much at stake for our nation, I will not, in good conscience, waste resources tearing down a fellow Democrat,” Murphy said.
A representative for Murphy and Kim did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Gothamist.
This is a developing story and may be updated.
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