New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy has announced the suspension of her campaign for Bob Menendez's Senate seat. In a video posted on X, Murphy stated that she is halting her Senate campaign due to the potential for a divisive and negative campaign. She expressed her unwillingness to engage in tearing down a fellow Democrat, especially with Donald Trump on the ballot and significant national stakes involved.
Murphy's decision comes amidst a lawsuit aimed at challenging the influence of local party leaders over party primaries and the nominating process. Democratic Rep. Andy Kim, another contender for the Senate seat, had sought a preliminary injunction to eliminate the party line system, which gives preferential placement to endorsed primary candidates. With Murphy withdrawing from the race, the urgency to address the primary ballot design has diminished.
Menendez, who is facing bribery and obstruction of justice charges, recently announced that he would not seek reelection in the Democratic primary. However, he has left open the possibility of an independent bid in the summer. Menendez has vehemently denied the charges against him and vowed to prove his innocence, alleging persecution by prosecutors.
Murphy, the wife of Governor Phil Murphy, entered the Democratic primary as a first-time candidate with previous ties to GOP politics. Her early endorsements hinted at a potential advantage over Kim in the primary. The party line system, which places party-backed candidates in a prominent column on the ballot, has faced criticism in recent years, particularly following Trump's election and increased grassroots activism.
Despite Murphy's withdrawal, Kim is expected to continue with the lawsuit challenging the party line system. The decision on the lawsuit may be delayed, leaving the current ballot structure intact for the upcoming primary election.
