Tammy Murphy, Wife Of N.J. Gov. Phil Murphy, Gains Traction In Her Run For Bob Menendez’s Senate

New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy announced last month she is running for Senate against sitting Sen. Bob Menendez in the 2024 election. 

Menendez has been indicted by federal prosecutors for acting as a foreign agent for Egypt. Many of his fellow Democratic senators have called on him to resign.

“Right now, Washington is filled with too many people more interested in getting rich or getting on camera than getting things done for you,” Murphy said in her campaign launch video.

This will be Murphy’s first time running for office.

Menendez issued a statement responding to Murphy’s announcement, accusing Gov. Phil Murphy (D) of using his position to help his wife’s candidacy.

“When Phil Murphy rushed to judgment and called on me to resign, it was clear he had a personal, vested interest in doing so at the expense of core democratic principles — the presumption of innocence and due process,” Menendez said. 

While Tammy Murphy is gaining steam in the race, Rep. Andy Kim (D-New Jersey) is still considered to be the favorite in the Democratic primary. Menendez has not said whether he will seek reelection.