New Jersey first lady Tammy Murphy suspends her Senate campaign to replace indicted Sen. Menendez
WASHINGTON — New Jersey first lady Tammy Murphy on Sunday suspended her campaign for the U.S. Senate to replace Democratic Sen. Robert Menendez as he faces federal corruption charges.
Murphy said in a video on social media that winning the Democratic primary would require her to run “a very divisive and negative campaign.”
“With Donald Trump in power and so much at stake for our nation, I will not in good conscience waste resources taking down a fellow Democrat,” Murphy said.
Her decision to resign likely clears the way for U.S. Rep. Andy Kim in the June 4 Democratic primary. Kim faces a more formidable challenge than usual against a well-connected political figure in a state where connections count for a lot.
Menendez announced that he would not participate in those primaries, but did not rule out running for re-election as an independent.
Murphy, a first-time candidate, ran with the support of influential Democratic figures. Kim has focused his campaign in part on overturning the state’s unique voting design, which is widely seen as favoring candidates favored by county party insiders.
“New Jersey’s next senator must focus on the issues of our time and not get bogged down in tearing down others while dividing the people of our party and state,” she said.
Kim, a mild-mannered three-term congresswoman, is perhaps best known for being photographed clearing the rubble of the U.S. Capitol after the Jan. 6 insurrection. He won several votes in the state committee, including in his and Murphy’s home counties.
The stakes are high, with Democrats fighting to maintain their limited control of the Senate.
Republicans have their own primary, including businessman Curtis Bashaw, Mendham Borough Mayor Christine Serrano Glassner, and former TV news reporter Alex Zdan.
Menendez strongly denies allegations that he and his wife accepted bribes in the form of gold bars, cash and a luxury car from three favor-seeking New Jersey businessmen. The couple will appear in court in May.