TRENTON, NJ – Things aren’t going well for the Murphy family this year in politics. Governor Phil Murphy saw two major offshore wind projects sink into the ocean and now his wife’s run for Senate is heading in the same direction according two two polls.
An internal poll from Democratic Rep. Andy Kim’s Senate campaign shows a significant lead over New Jersey first lady Tammy Murphy in the Democratic primary race. The survey, conducted by Breakthrough Campaigns, involved 1,004 likely Democratic voters, indicating Kim’s substantial lead.
“People are done with our corrupt broken politics and overwhelmingly want to vote for someone who will fight to restore integrity,” Kim said.
Kim, currently holding a congressional seat from South Jersey’s 3rd District, stands at 45%, while Murphy trails at 22%. Meanwhile, Sen. Bob Menendez, recently indicted on federal charges, records only 6%, and activist Lawrence Hamm garners 4%.
Following Menendez’s indictment, Kim announced his Senate campaign, quickly garnering support from the party’s progressive wing. Despite Kim’s initial momentum, Murphy, having announced her candidacy on November 15, received backing from prominent Democratic chairs, favoring her in New Jersey’s unique “county line” ballot system.
Indications of Kim’s progressive and broader support have surfaced in various forms. End Citizens United, endorsing Kim, released a poll in October showing his early lead over Murphy, then not officially in the race. Additionally, a Monmouth County Democratic Party straw poll, where both Murphy resides and Kim partly represents, indicated Kim’s lead, as reported by New Jersey Globe.
A NJ Public Policy Poll conducted earlier also reflected this trend:
- Robert Menendez: 5%
- Andy Kim: 42%
- Tammy Murphy: 19%
- Not sure: 34%
The current standings in the race highlight the dynamic shifts in New Jersey’s political landscape, with the primary outcome still uncertain.