New Jersey first lady Tammy Murphy announced Sunday that she’ll withdraw from the Democratic Senate primary, likely paving the way for Democratic Rep. Andy Kim to secure the nomination.
“After many busy, invigorating and, yes, challenging months, I am suspending my Senate campaign today,” Murphy said in a video posted to social media.
“I’ve been genuine and factual throughout,” she continued. “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.”
“I’m making this decision because this campaign has never been about me. And right now, I know the best thing we can do for New Jersey is to unite and focus on the real issues at hand,” she added.
Murphy did not endorse Kim in the three-minute video.
Kim called Murphy “a voice for progress and public service in our state” in a statement obtained by NBC News after Murphy’s announcement.
“Tammy and I both agree that it is critical that we keep this seat, and the Senate, in Democratic control,” Kim added. “Unity is vital. We will continue our efforts to strengthen our democracy in New Jersey while we come together to stand up against the dangerous agenda pushed by Trump.”
Murphy made the decision after she and her advisers concluded that her path to victory in the June 4th Democratic primary was limited, even unwinnable, a source close to the Murphy campaign told NBC News. Her announcement came on the eve of the state’s primary filing deadline.
But Murphy maintained in conversations Sunday with campaign staff, party leaders and supporters that her campaign still had a path forward, but that would have involved spending a large amount of money against a fellow Democrat, according to a source familiar with those conversations.
Murphy said such a divisive primary could hurt the party this year and moving forward, with New Jersey will host an open race for governor next year, the source added. Her husband cannot seek…
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