NJ Working Families Party Endorses Gov. Phil Murphy for Re-Election
The New Jersey Working Families Party has officially endorsed Democratic incumbent Phil Murphy for re-election to a second term as Governor of New Jersey. In the case that he wins, Murphy would be the first Democratic governor in New Jersey to be re-elected since 1977.
In 2017, he defeated Republican nominee and former lieutenant governor of New Jersey, Kim Guadagno in the race to succeed term-limited Republican Governor Chris Christie. Since his landslide victory in New Jersey’s gubernatorial race, Murphy has built rapport with progressives across the country. In his pursuit of policies premised on social and economic transformation, Murphy has laid the groundwork for bold, structural change in New Jersey. Since taking office, Murphy has:
- Legalized regulated cannabis for adults and decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana
- Signed legislation allowing undocumented immigrants access to driver’s licenses and financial aid for college in New Jersey
- Issued mandated paid sick leave
- Ratified a bill to gradually raise New Jersey’s minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2024
- Raised the income tax by 2% on incomes over $1 million
Earlier this month, NJ Working Families Party Executive Director Sue Altman issued a statement regarding the party’s decision to endorse Murphy for re-election.
“Our state has made huge strides in wages, repairing the harms of our criminal justice system, and making the rich pay their fair share thanks to the support of Governor Murphy,” said Sue Altman. “That’s why the New Jersey Working Families Party is proud to support his re-election bid. Allies like Murphy are crucial in helping us address climate change, weed out the greed and corruption that hurts taxpayers every day, and make the Garden State a fair and just place for working families.”
“Thanks to Governor Murphy, New Jersey residents have been able to benefit from expanded paid family leave which has helped millions of New Jersey residents take the time they need without struggling financially. I am looking forward to the Governor’s re-election in order to continue the progress in New Jersey to help our residents not just survive, but thrive,” said Billie Bauer of Merchantville, a New Jersey Working Families Member.
In his fourth annual budget address last February, Murphy reassured his progressive base of supporters, promising that his administration would expand access to affordable health care, invest in public schools, and issue tax relief paid for by a new tax on the rich.
The New Jersey Working Families Party is looking forward to Murphy’s re-election and his administration’s continued allyship with the progressive movement.