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{{short description|Governor of New Jersey since 2018}}
{{Other people|Philip Murphy}}
{{Other people}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2016}}
{{pp|small=yes}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Use American English|date=July 2021}}
{{Infobox officeholder {{Infobox officeholder
| name = Phil Murphy | name = Phil Murphy
| image = Governor Phil Murphy 2023 (cropped) (2).jpg
| order = <!--56th: We don't add numbering, until inauguration--> ]<br>{{small|Elect}}
| image = Philip D. Murphy.jpg | caption = Murphy in 2023
| order = 56th ]
| lieutenant = ] {{small|(elect)}}
| lieutenant = ] (2018–2023)<br />] (2023–present)
| predecessor = ]
| term_start = January 16, 2018
| succeeding = ]
| successor = | term_end =
| predecessor = ]
| party = ]
| successor =
| office1 = ]
| office1 = Chair of the ]
| predecessor1 = ]
| term_start1 = July 15, 2022
| president1 = ]
| term_end1 = July 14, 2023
| successor1 = ]
| predecessor1 = ]
| birth_name = Philip Dunton Murphy
| successor1 = ]
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1957|8|16}}
| office2 = ]
| birth_place = ], U.S.
| president2 = ]
| death_date =
| term_start2 = September 3, 2009
| death_place =
| term_end2 = August 26, 2013
| spouse = ]
| predecessor2 = ]
| children = 4
| successor2 = ]
| term_start = January 16, 2018
| birth_name = Philip Dunton Murphy
| term_end =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1957|8|16}}
| term_start1 = September 3, 2009
| birth_place = ], U.S.
| term_end1 = August 26, 2013
| death_date =
| education = ] {{small|(])}}<br>] {{small|(])}}
| death_place =
| party = ]
| spouse = {{marriage|]|1993}}
| children = 4
| residence = ]
| education = {{ubl|] (])|] (])}}
| footnotes = {{notelist}}
| module = {{Listen|pos=center|embed=yes|filename=Phil Murphy and Congressman Bill Pascrell on NJ Transit.ogg|title=Phil Murphy's voice|type=speech|description=Phil Murphy and Congressman ] on ]<br/>Recorded June 4, 2018}}
}} }}
'''Philip Dunton Murphy''' (born August 16, 1957)<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ourcampaigns.com/CandidateDetail.html?CandidateID=229750 |title=Our Campaigns - Candidate - Philip D. Murphy |website=Ourcampaigns.com |access-date=2017-11-19}}</ref><ref name=na/> is an American financier, diplomat, and politician who is the ] of ]. Murphy, a ], defeated incumbent ] ] in the ].<ref name="decisiondeskhq.com">{{cite web|last1=Finnigan|first1=Brandon|title=New Jersey Gubernatorial Primary (Democratic)|url=https://decisiondeskhq.com/results/new-jersey-gubernatorial-primary-democratic/|website=Decision Desk HQ|accessdate=June 7, 2017|date=June 6, 2017}}</ref> While planning to run for governor, Murphy launched New Way for New Jersey, a ] organization intended to increase his political visibility in the state. '''Philip Dunton Murphy''' (born August 16, 1957)<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.ourcampaigns.com/CandidateDetail.html?CandidateID=229750 |title=Our Campaigns - Candidate - Philip D. Murphy |website=Ourcampaigns.com |access-date=November 19, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201080919/https://www.ourcampaigns.com/CandidateDetail.html?CandidateID=229750 |archive-date=December 1, 2017 }}</ref><ref name=na/> is an American politician, diplomat, and financier serving as the 56th ]. A member of the ], he was elected governor in ] and narrowly reelected in ]. From 2009 to 2013, Murphy served as the ] under President ].


Murphy had a 23-year career at ], where he held several high-level positions and accumulated considerable wealth before retiring in 2006. He is involved in many civic organizations and philanthropic pursuits. He served as finance chairman for the ] in the mid-late 2000s under ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://p2008.org/parties08/dncorg07.html|title=DNC Organization-2007 Edition|last=CatsLabs|website=p2008.org|access-date=May 9, 2024|archive-date=April 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401212645/http://p2008.org/parties08/dncorg07.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.politico.com/blogs/ben-smith/2009/02/dnc-finance-team-set-015815|title=DNC Finance team set|website=]|date=February 3, 2009|access-date=May 9, 2024|archive-date=September 22, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180922121615/https://www.politico.com/blogs/ben-smith/2009/02/dnc-finance-team-set-015815|url-status=live}}</ref> During his ambassadorial tenure, Murphy dealt with international fallout from the ].
Murphy was the ] from 2009 to 2013 during which time he dealt with fallout from the ] matter. He served as finance chairman for the ] in the mid-late 2000s under ]. Prior to that Murphy had a 23-year career at ], during which he held several high-level positions and accumulated considerable wealth, before retiring from there in 2006. He is additionally involved in many civic organizations and philanthropic pursuits.


While planning to run for governor of New Jersey, Murphy and his wife ] launched New Start New Jersey, a ] organization. He defeated Republican, then-] ], in the ] with 56% of the vote.<ref name="decisiondeskhq.com">{{cite web|last1=Finnigan|first1=Brandon|title=New Jersey Gubernatorial Primary (Democratic)|url=https://decisiondeskhq.com/results/new-jersey-gubernatorial-primary-democratic/|website=Decision Desk HQ|access-date=June 7, 2017|date=June 6, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023011510/https://decisiondeskhq.com/results/new-jersey-gubernatorial-primary-democratic/|archive-date=October 23, 2017}}</ref> In December 2019, Murphy became the chair of the ],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nj.com/politics/2019/11/murphy-prepares-for-a-national-role-in-trumps-re-election-year-but-says-he-will-keep-his-focus-on-nj.html|title=Murphy prepares for a national role in Trump's re-election year, but says he will keep his focus on N.J.|first1=Brent|last1=Johnson|first2=Matt|last2=Arco|date=November 29, 2019|website=]|access-date=May 15, 2020|archive-date=May 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200502012608/https://www.nj.com/politics/2019/11/murphy-prepares-for-a-national-role-in-trumps-re-election-year-but-says-he-will-keep-his-focus-on-nj.html|url-status=live}}</ref> a position he held for a year.<ref>{{Cite web|first=Jonathan D.|last=Salant|date=December 3, 2020|title=Murphy stepping down as Democratic governors chair|url=https://www.nj.com/politics/2020/12/murphy-stepping-down-as-democratic-governors-chair.html|access-date=March 14, 2021|website=]|language=en|archive-date=December 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201224060944/https://www.nj.com/politics/2020/12/murphy-stepping-down-as-democratic-governors-chair.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He was reelected in an unexpectedly close race in ], defeating Republican nominee ] with 51.2% of the vote. Murphy is the first Democratic governor of New Jersey to win a second term since ].<ref>{{Cite web|title = Phil Murphy wins reelection for governor in NJ over Jack Ciattarelli|url = https://abc7ny.com/nj-election-results-live-phil-murphy-jack-ciattarelli-who-is-winning-governor-race-new-jersey/11193247/|date = November 3, 2021|accessdate = November 4, 2021|work = ]|archive-date = November 3, 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20211103232028/https://abc7ny.com/nj-election-results-live-phil-murphy-jack-ciattarelli-who-is-winning-governor-race-new-jersey/11193247/|url-status = dead}}</ref> In July 2022, Murphy became the first ] chair from New Jersey.
==Early life and career==
Murphy was born in ],<ref name =Observer>{{Cite web|url=http://observer.com/2017/06/on-murphys-road-to-victory-no-stone-left-unturned|title=On Murphy’s Road to Victory, No Stone Left Unturned|access-date=2017-10-21}}</ref><ref name=tout/><ref name="wui">{{Cite news|url=http://www.nj.com/opinion/index.ssf/2016/11/phil_murphy_big_smile_big_plans.html|title=Phil Murphy: A big smile and, big plans for New Jersey|last=Quigley|first=Joan|date=|work=NJ.com|access-date=June 27, 2017|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|language=en-US}}</ref> and was raised in both Needham and nearby ], the son of Dorothy Louise (Dunton) and Walter F. Murphy.<ref name=rooted>Dustin Racioppi, "Guadagno, Murphy race rooted in the past", Asbury Park Press, June 8, 2017, p. 9A.</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.northjersey.com/story/news/new-jersey/governor/2017/11/08/meet-your-next-nj-governor-phil-murphy/843996001/|title=Meet your next N.J. governor, Phil Murphy|last=Racioppi|first=Dustin|date=November 8, 2017|work=North Jersey|access-date=November 9, 2017|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/bostonglobe/obituary.aspx?n=dorothy-louise-murphy-dunton&pid=114997274|title=Dorothy Louise (Dunton) Murphy's Obituary on Boston Globe|last=|first=|date=|website=Boston Globe|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=November 9, 2017}}</ref> According to Murphy, his family was "middle class on a good day."<ref name=tout/><ref name=rooted/> The family was of ] heritage, with Phil being third generation.<ref name="irish">{{Cite news|url=http://tworivertimes.com/phil-murphy-may-river-road-rise-up-to-meet-him/|title=Phil Murphy: May River Road Rise Up to Meet Him|last=|first=|date=February 26, 2015|work=The Two River Times|access-date=June 27, 2017|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|language=en-US}}</ref> By his recollection his mother, a secretary, and father, a high-school dropout who took any job he could (including those of a manager of a ] and of a for-pay ]), lived paycheck to paycheck.<ref name=tout>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/09/likely_democratic_candidate_for_nj_governor_touts.html|title=Likely Democratic candidate for N.J. governor buys ad touting middle-class|website=NJ.com|access-date=May 17, 2016}}</ref><ref name=irish/><ref name=jamb/><ref name=polly/> At age 13 Murphy began working ] as a dishwasher to augment the family income.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tcnjsignal.net/2016/10/24/phil-murphy-hosts-rally-in-black-box-theater/|title=Phil Murphy hosts rally in Black Box Theater|first=Olivia|last=Rizzo|date=October 25, 2016|publisher=|accessdate=August 19, 2017}}</ref>


==Early life and education==
Both of his parents were enthusiastic supporters of ] and volunteered for the young scion in the ].<ref name=jamb/> Murphy played soccer as a boy,<ref name = irish/> an interest that would stay with him in later life. The Murphy mother believed strongly in the importance of education and Phil and his three older siblings would all earn college degrees.<ref name = irish/>
{{stack|]}}
Murphy was born in ],<ref name=Observer>{{Cite news|first=Salvador|last=Rizzo|url=http://observer.com/2017/06/on-murphys-road-to-victory-no-stone-left-unturned|title=On Murphy's Road to Victory, No Stone Left Unturned|newspaper=]|date=June 7, 2017|access-date=October 21, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171022033353/http://observer.com/2017/06/on-murphys-road-to-victory-no-stone-left-unturned/|archive-date=October 22, 2017}}</ref><ref name=tout/><ref name="wui">{{Cite news|url=http://www.nj.com/opinion/index.ssf/2016/11/phil_murphy_big_smile_big_plans.html|title=Phil Murphy: A big smile and, big plans for New Jersey|last=Quigley|first=Joan|work=]|access-date=June 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819234732/http://www.nj.com/opinion/index.ssf/2016/11/phil_murphy_big_smile_big_plans.html|archive-date=August 19, 2017|url-status=live|language=en-US}}</ref> and was raised in both Needham and nearby ], the son of Dorothy Louise (Dunton) and Walter F. Murphy.<ref name=rooted>{{cite news|first=Dustin|last=Racioppi|title=Guadagno, Murphy race rooted in the past|newspaper=]|date=June 8, 2017|page=9A}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.northjersey.com/story/news/new-jersey/governor/2017/11/08/meet-your-next-nj-governor-phil-murphy/843996001/|title=Meet your next N.J. governor, Phil Murphy|last=Racioppi|first=Dustin|date=November 8, 2017|work=North Jersey|access-date=November 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171109004136/http://www.northjersey.com/story/news/new-jersey/governor/2017/11/08/meet-your-next-nj-governor-phil-murphy/843996001/|archive-date=November 9, 2017|url-status=live|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/bostonglobe/obituary.aspx?n=dorothy-louise-murphy-dunton&pid=114997274|title=Dorothy Louise (Dunton) Murphy's Obituary on Boston Globe|website=Boston Globe|access-date=November 9, 2017|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612135929/http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/bostonglobe/obituary.aspx?n=dorothy-louise-murphy-dunton&pid=114997274|url-status=live}}</ref>


The family was ], with Phil being third generation.<ref name="irish">{{Cite news|url=http://tworivertimes.com/phil-murphy-may-river-road-rise-up-to-meet-him/|title=Phil Murphy: May River Road Rise Up to Meet Him|date=February 26, 2015|work=]|access-date=June 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170504083247/http://tworivertimes.com/phil-murphy-may-river-road-rise-up-to-meet-him/|archive-date=May 4, 2017|url-status=live|language=en-US}}</ref> According to Murphy, his household was "middle class on a good day;"<ref name=tout/><ref name=rooted/> by his recollection, his mother, a secretary, and father, a high-school dropout who took any job he could (including liquor store manager and for-pay pallbearer), lived paycheck to paycheck.<ref name=tout>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/09/likely_democratic_candidate_for_nj_governor_touts.html|title=Likely Democratic candidate for N.J. governor buys ad touting middle-class|website=nj.com|date=September 29, 2015|access-date=May 17, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160508202104/http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/09/likely_democratic_candidate_for_nj_governor_touts.html|archive-date=May 8, 2016}}</ref><ref name=irish/><ref name=jamb/><ref name=polly/>
By his later description, Murphy put himself through college with student loans and part-time jobs.<ref name="camp">{{Cite web|url=https://www.murphy4nj.com/meet-phil-murphy/|title=Murphy Bio}}</ref> He attended ], where he was president of the ] and, as he sang and danced, aspired for a time to a life in ].<ref name=7facts>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/05/wall_street_to_wikileaks_7_facts_about_gubernatorial_hopeful_phil_murphy.html|title=Wall Street to Wikileaks: 7 facts about gubernatorial hopeful Phil Murphy|publisher=|accessdate=September 29, 2016}}</ref><ref name=rooted/> However, he changed directions and graduated in 1979 with an A.B. degree in Economics.<ref name=7facts/><ref name=amb/> Further desirous of not reliving his upbringing's lack of financial security,<ref name=rooted/> he then attended, and received an M.B.A. in 1983 from, the ].<!-- Credible citation needed to back this claim. --><ref name=na/>


Both of his parents were enthusiastic supporters of ] and volunteered for his campaign in the ].<ref name=jamb/> Murphy played soccer as a boy, an interest that stayed with him in later life. His mother believed strongly in the importance of education, and Phil and his three older siblings all earned college degrees.<ref name = irish/>
===Marriage and family===
]
Murphy first met his future wife ] in 1987<ref name = allgov >{{cite web|url=http://www.allgov.com/news?news=841081|title=Ambassador to Germany: Who is Philip Murphy?|publisher=|accessdate=September 29, 2016}}</ref> when they both worked at Goldman Sachs, but Murphy did not ask her for a date for another seven years.<ref name=irish/> When he finally did, things progressed quickly: they became engaged eighteen days later and were married within six months,<ref name=irish/> in 1994.<ref name = allgov/>


Murphy graduated from ], along with future ] ], in 1975.<ref>{{Cite web|date=November 8, 2017|title=Needham Native Phil Murphy Wins NJ Governor's Race|url=https://patch.com/massachusetts/needham/needham-native-phil-murphy-wins-nj-governors-race|access-date=March 14, 2021|website=Needham, MA Patch|language=en|archive-date=November 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109040446/https://patch.com/massachusetts/needham/needham-native-phil-murphy-wins-nj-governors-race|url-status=live}}</ref> He graduated from ] in 1979 with a ] degree in economics.<ref name="7facts" /><ref name="amb" /> At Harvard he aspired to become a professional ] performer and was elected president of the ], a theatrical student society.<ref name=7facts>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/05/wall_street_to_wikileaks_7_facts_about_gubernatorial_hopeful_phil_murphy.html|title=Wall Street to Wikileaks: 7 facts about gubernatorial hopeful Phil Murphy|website=]|date=May 17, 2016|access-date=September 29, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927170415/http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/05/wall_street_to_wikileaks_7_facts_about_gubernatorial_hopeful_phil_murphy.html|archive-date=September 27, 2016}}</ref><ref name=rooted/><ref name="camp">{{Cite news|url=https://www.murphy4nj.com/meet-phil-murphy/|title=Murphy Bio|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161014001917/https://www.murphy4nj.com/meet-phil-murphy/|archive-date=October 14, 2016}}</ref> He then attended the ]'s ], where he received a ] in 1983.<ref name=rooted/><ref name=na/>
Murphy and his wife have four children, three sons and a daughter.<ref name = allgov /> They have lived in ] in New Jersey.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.murphy4nj.com/bio/|title=Get to Know Phil Murphy|last=|first=|date=|work=murphy4nj.com|access-date=June 27, 2017|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|language=en}}</ref> The children have been educated at ] and the ].<ref name = irish/> Tammy Snyder Murphy has held a variety of financial, civic, and political positions as well as having been a ].<ref name=open/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nsnj.org/Leadership/Tammy-Snyder-Murphy|title=Tammy Snyder Murphy|last=|first=|date=|website=www.nsnj.org|language=en|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=November 9, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528134059/https://www.andover.edu/About/AdministrationGovernance/Pages/CharterTrusteeTammySnyderMurphy83.aspx|title=Phillips Academy - Charter Trustee: Tammy Snyder Murphy '83|last=|first=|date=May 28, 2010|website=|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=November 9, 2017}}</ref>


==Finance career at Goldman Sachs (1982–2003)==
=== Personal wealth ===
Murphy began his career in finance with a summer associate internship at ] in 1982.<ref name = irish/><ref name=allgov /> He was hired after graduating in 1983.<ref name=nation/> He rose in the ranks quickly, later attributing that success to his ability to make deals: "Two people may not like each other and can't work together. Their mutual dislike is their problem. I don't let it become mine. I'll be the man in the middle and the three of us can work out something everybody is happy with."<ref name=wui/>
Murphy's position at Goldman Sachs when the firm had its ] made his net worth top $50 million, or if similar to others there, a good deal more.<ref name=nwfnj>{{cite web|url=http://www.politico.com/story/2015/07/murphy-likely-nj-gubernatorial-candidate-gets-a-super-pac-120575|title=Phil Murphy, likely N.J. gubernatorial candidate, gets a super PAC|publisher=|accessdate=September 29, 2016}}</ref> By one estimate, reported in '']'' in 2009, his wealth after leaving the firm was in the range of several hundred million dollars.<ref name=second/>


From 1993 to 1997, Murphy headed the firm's ] office.<ref name=jamb/><ref name=polly/> His business responsibilities were later expanded to encompass Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, as well as in the emerging post-] economies of Central Europe.<ref name=amb/> In this role he engaged in a number of transactions with the German government's ] agency, whose purpose was to conduct the privatization of formerly state-owned enterprises within the boundaries of no-longer-extant ]. Murphy was also active in the ] organization, including co-founding its International Advisor Council.<ref name=first/>
Murphy moved to ] in the late 1990s.<ref name=winners>{{cite web|url=http://www.app.com/story/news/local/elections/2017/06/07/phil-murphy-kim-guadagno-new-jersey-gubernatorial-election-2017/374941001/|title=NJ's next governor: Phil Murphy or Kim Guadagno|publisher=|accessdate=August 19, 2017}}</ref> He and his family live in a riverside estate with a $200,000 annual property tax bill.<ref name="bloom" /> Murphy also owns homes in Berlin and in Italy.<ref name="taxes"/>


From 1997 to 1999, Murphy served as the President of Goldman Sachs (Asia).<ref name=polly/> In that capacity, he was officed in ].<ref name=penny>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.gov/benefitsreview/members.html|title=Benefits Review Task Force|website=]|access-date=September 29, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081203001828/http://www.nj.gov/benefitsreview/members.html|archive-date=December 3, 2008}}</ref> During this time Goldman Sachs profited from its investment in ], a shoe manufacturer that became notorious for its harsh labor practices.<ref name=yy>{{cite web |url=http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/06/jim_johnson_hits_phil_murphy_over_goldman_sach_asi.html |title=Murphy rival: He profited from slave labor at Goldman |date=June 3, 2017 |access-date=June 4, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170605213427/http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/06/jim_johnson_hits_phil_murphy_over_goldman_sach_asi.html |archive-date=June 5, 2017 }} Research by NJ Advance Media</ref> The $55 million investment was made the year before Murphy took the Asia post and it is unclear to what extent Murphy was aware of the firm's operational characteristics.<ref name =yy/> In 1998 Murphy told the '']'' that "We are elite in the sense the ] is elite".<ref name="nation">{{Cite news|url=https://www.thenation.com/article/can-a-sanders-democrat-win-the-new-jersey-governors-race/|title=Can a Sanders Democrat Win the New Jersey Governor's Race?|work=]|access-date=June 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170529211218/https://www.thenation.com/article/can-a-sanders-democrat-win-the-new-jersey-governors-race/|archive-date=May 29, 2017|url-status=live|issn=0027-8378}}</ref>
In 2016 Murphy released five years' worth of federal tax returns: for 2014 he earned about $6 million, paid about $2 million in taxes for an effective tax rate of 34 percent, and directly or indirectly donated 24 percent of his income to charity.<ref name="taxes" /> The returns for the other years showed effective tax rates ranging between 32 and 39 percent.<ref name=obstacles>{{cite web|url=http://observer.com/2016/05/phil-murphy-releases-tax-returns-from-past-five-years/|title=Phil Murphy Releases Tax Returns from Past Five Years|date=May 23, 2016|publisher=|accessdate=August 19, 2017}}</ref> Murphy's charitable donations during these five years averaged about $980,000 a year.<ref name=obstacles/> Due to his wealth and the complicated nature of his holdings, his federal tax filings have been known to exceed 300 pages in length.<ref name="taxes"/>


In 1999, Murphy secured a spot on the firm's management committee.<ref name=irish/> There his colleagues included ] and ], both of whom later served at highest levels of the federal government.<ref name=nation/> This coincided with the ]; the repeal allowed Murphy and his colleagues to make much greater use of ] and profoundly changed how the company generated profits.<ref name=nation/>
===Finance career===
====Goldman Sachs====
Murphy began his career with a summer associate internship at ] in 1982.<ref name = irish/><ref name=allgov /> He was hired after graduating in 1983.<ref name=nation/> He rose in the ranks quickly due to what he later attributed as his ability to make deals: "Two people may not like each other and can't work together. Their mutual dislike is their problem. I don't let it become mine. I'll be the man in the middle and the three of us can work out something everybody is happy with."<ref name=wui/>


In 2001, Murphy became global co-head of the firm's Investment Management Division.<ref name = irish/><ref name = fort/><ref name=nation/> This unit oversaw the investments of foundations, pensions, hedge funds, and wealthy personages, and by 2003 had amassed $373 billion in holdings.<ref name=nation/> Hedge funds, in particular, received large lines of credit from Murphy's unit.<ref name=nation/> Another company initiative that Murphy helped to undertake was the unit that did major business in the emerging markets within the ] region.<ref name= penny/>
From 1993 to 1997 Murphy headed the firm's ] office.<ref name=jamb/><ref name=polly/> His business responsibilities were later expanded to encompass Germany, Switzerland and Austria, as well as in the emerging post-Warsaw Pact economies of Central Europe.<ref name=amb/> In this role he engaged in a number of transactions with the German government's ] agency, whose purpose was conducting the privatization of formerly state-owned enterprises within the boundaries of no-longer-extant ].<ref name=first/> Murphy was also active in the ] organization, including co-founding its International Advisor Council.<ref name=first/>


In 2003, Murphy's day-to-day responsibilities at the firm ended, and he became a Senior Director of the firm.<ref name=nation/> He retired in 2006.<ref name=jamb/><ref name=tough/> Murphy spent 23 years at Goldman Sachs in all.<ref name=jamb/>
From 1997 to 1999, Murphy served as the President of Goldman Sachs (Asia).<ref name=polly/> In that capacity, he was officed in ].<ref name = penny>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.gov/benefitsreview/members.html|title=Benefits Review Task Force|publisher=|accessdate=September 29, 2016}}</ref> During this time Goldman Sachs profited from its investment in ], a shoe manufacturer which became notorious for its harsh labor practices.<ref name=yy>http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/06/jim_johnson_hits_phil_murphy_over_goldman_sach_asi.html Research by NJ Advance Media</ref> The $55 million investment was made the year before Murphy took the Asia post and it is unclear the extent to which Murphy was aware of that firm's operational characteristics.<ref name =yy/> In 1998 Murphy told the '']'' that “We are elite in the sense the Marine Corps is elite.”<ref name="nation">{{Cite news|url=https://www.thenation.com/article/can-a-sanders-democrat-win-the-new-jersey-governors-race/|title=Can a Sanders Democrat Win the New Jersey Governor’s Race?|last=|first=|date=|work=The Nation|access-date=June 27, 2017|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|issn=0027-8378}}</ref>


==Early government and political career==
In 1999, Murphy secured a spot on the firm's Management Committee.<ref name=irish/> There his colleagues included ] and ], both of whom later served at highest levels of the federal government.<ref name=nation/> This coincided with the ] and made a profound change in how Murphy and his colleagues made their profits, with much greater use of leverage than before.<ref name=nation/>
===Chair of the New Jersey Benefits Task Force===
In May 2005,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.gov/benefitsreview/executive_order.html|title=Benefits Review Task Force|access-date=September 29, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180324132739/http://www.nj.gov/benefitsreview/executive_order.html|archive-date=March 24, 2018}}</ref> Governor ] named Murphy to chair the New Jersey Benefits Task Force on public sector employee benefits in response to the New Jersey pension crisis, a particularly long-running instance of the ].<ref name=na/><ref name=jamb/><ref name=nation/>


The task force reported its findings in December 2005.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nj.gov/benefitsreview/final_report.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=September 25, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927024448/http://www.nj.gov/benefitsreview/final_report.pdf |archive-date=September 27, 2016 }}</ref> By this time Murphy was already considered to be retired from Goldman Sachs.<ref name=tough>{{cite news|url=http://mobile.nytimes.com/2005/12/04/nyregion/in-task-force-report-a-challenge.html?_r=0&referer=|title=In Task Force Report, a Challenge - NYTimes.com|newspaper=The New York Times|date=December 4, 2005|access-date=September 29, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171031093011/https://mobile.nytimes.com/2005/12/04/nyregion/in-task-force-report-a-challenge.html?_r=0&referer=|archive-date=October 31, 2017|last1=Chen|first1=David W.}}</ref> The report decried past state practices, saying that "gimmicks" had been constructed instead of genuine solutions.<ref name=tough/>
In 2001 Murphy became global co-head of the Investment Management Division of the firm.<ref name = irish/><ref name = fort/><ref name=nation/> This unit oversaw the investments of foundations, pensions, hedge funds, and wealthy personages, and by 2003 it had amassed some $373 billion in holdings.<ref name=nation/> Hedge funds in particular received large lines of credit from Murphy's unit.<ref name=nation/> Another company initiative that Murphy helped to undertake was the unit that did major business in the emerging markets within the ] region.<ref name= penny/>


As chair, Murphy recommended the sale of publicly owned assets. For the most part that did not happen, but some of his other suggestions, such as raising the age of retirement and recalculating how pensions related to salary earned, were taken.<ref name=7facts/> Labor unions opposed the recommendations, with leader ] saying, "We will fight vigorously and loudly against any cuts to our pensions or health benefits proposed by the task force."<ref name=nation/> The '']'' wrote that "no matter what happens, the report's legacy may well be that it tried to tackle the issues head-on."<ref name=tough/>
In 2003, Murphy's day-to-day responsibilities at the firm ended, and he became a Senior Director of the firm.<ref name=nation/> He retired in 2005-2006.<ref name=jamb/><ref name=tough/> In all, Murphy spent 23 years at Goldman Sachs.<ref name=jamb/>


===Finance chair of the Democratic Party===
====Democratic Party finance chair====
] fall meeting]]
After leaving Goldman Sachs, Murphy served from 2006 to 2009 as the National Finance Chair of the ] (DNC) where he worked with DNC Chair ].<ref name=blue>{{cite web|url=http://www.bluejersey.com/2014/11/howard-deans-guy/|title=Howard Dean’s guy|publisher=|accessdate=September 29, 2016}}</ref> Murphy liked both Dean's vision for the party and for the discipline Dean brought to the task, and the two became close friends.<ref name=irish/>


After leaving Goldman Sachs, Murphy served from 2006 to 2009 as the National Finance Chair of the ] (DNC), where he worked with DNC Chair ].<ref name=blue>{{cite web|url=http://www.bluejersey.com/2014/11/howard-deans-guy/|title=Howard Dean's guy|access-date=September 29, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611053628/http://www.bluejersey.com/2014/11/howard-deans-guy/|archive-date=June 11, 2016}}</ref> Murphy liked both Dean's vision for the party and the discipline Dean brought to the task, and the two became close friends.<ref name=irish/>
] speaks at the DNC Fall Meeting in November 2007 ]]


It was Murphy who financed Dean's "]".<ref name=blue/> This was not without disagreement, as the strategy was opposed by powerful Democrats in Congress such as ] and ].<ref name=fort>{{cite web|url=http://archive.fortune.com/2007/10/10/news/newsmakers/murphy_dnc.fortune/index.htm|title=Philip Murphy goes to Washington - Oct. 11, 2007|first=By Nina Easton, Fortune Washington bureau|last=chief|publisher=|accessdate=September 29, 2016}}</ref> However Murphy refused to visibly engage in this dispute, saying, "I'm a sucker for the view that you have it out in the locker room, not in public."<ref name=fort/> Former Goldman Sachs colleague and ] ] said of Murphy's ability to handle the new position, "He has very substantial technical expertise from his corporate finance work, but he combines that with a wonderful facility for dealing with people."<ref name=fort/> Dean later himself said that Murphy well learnt the lesson not all such figures of commerce understand: that while in business you can command people to do things, in politics things are never so simple.<ref name=rooted/> It was Murphy who financed Dean's "]".<ref name=blue/> Powerful Democrats in Congress such as ] and ] opposed the strategy,<ref name=fort>{{cite web|url=https://money.cnn.com/2007/10/10/news/newsmakers/murphy_dnc.fortune/index.htm|title=Philip Murphy goes to Washington - Oct. 11, 2007|first=Nina Easton, Fortune Washington bureau|last=chief|access-date=September 29, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927090318/http://archive.fortune.com/2007/10/10/news/newsmakers/murphy_dnc.fortune/index.htm|archive-date=September 27, 2016}}</ref> but Murphy refused to visibly engage in this dispute, saying, "I'm a sucker for the view that you have it out in the locker room, not in public."<ref name=fort/> Former Goldman Sachs colleague and ] ] said of Murphy's ability to handle the new position, "He has very substantial technical expertise from his corporate finance work, but he combines that with a wonderful facility for dealing with people."<ref name=fort/> Dean later said that Murphy well learned the lesson not all such figures of commerce understand: that while in business you can command people to do things, in politics things are never so simple.<ref name=rooted/>


During his first year Murphy focused on gaining donations from his contacts from his university years as well as from Goldman Sachs; within that year he was able to substantially reduce the DNC gap when compared to the ].<ref name=fort/> In all, Murphy says he raised $300 million for the DNC.<ref name=jamb/> During his first year, Murphy focused on gaining donations from his contacts from his university years and Goldman Sachs; within that year he was able to substantially reduce the DNC's gap with the ].<ref name=fort/> In all, Murphy says he raised $300 million for the DNC.<ref name=jamb/>


Phil Murphy was also a big donor to Democratic candidates on a personal basis, giving almost $1.5 million to such candidates by 2009.<ref name=open>{{cite web|url=http://www.opensecrets.org/news/2009/07/phillip-murphy-new-ambassador/|title=Philip Murphy, New Ambassador to Germany, Gave Big to Democrats|date=July 10, 2009|publisher=|accessdate=September 29, 2016}}</ref> This included modest contributions to individual candidates but several six-figure sums to party committees.<ref name=open/> During the hotly contested ] he was a ] but remained uncommitted for most of the contest.<ref name=allgov/> Murphy was also a big donor to Democratic candidates, giving them almost $1.5 million by 2009.<ref name=open>{{cite web|url=http://www.opensecrets.org/news/2009/07/phillip-murphy-new-ambassador/|title=Philip Murphy, New Ambassador to Germany, Gave Big to Democrats|date=July 10, 2009|access-date=September 29, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170201162838/http://www.opensecrets.org/news/2009/07/phillip-murphy-new-ambassador/|archive-date=February 1, 2017}}</ref> This included modest contributions to individual candidates and several six-figure sums to party committees.<ref name=open/> During the hotly contested ] he was a ] but remained uncommitted for most of the contest.<ref name=allgov/>


==Ambassadorship==
===Civic activities===
]
]
]]]
Murphy has been appointed to the boards or committees of various civic or philanthropic groups.<!-- . --> Among these are the ],<ref name=na/> the ], the ], ],<ref>http://www.180nj.org/Recognitiondinnerphotos.htm</ref> and several programs of the ] such as the ] and the Wharton School Graduate Executive and Asian Program.<ref name=allgov/> Other such entities include the ], the ], and ].<ref name =allgov/> He has served as the ] of the ] in ] several times.<ref name=irish/>
] presenting an autographed shirt of the U. S. National Team to Chancellor ] at the 2011 Women's World Cup as ] and ] looks on]]
Murphy served as United States Ambassador to Germany under President Barack Obama from 2009 to 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/president-obama-announces-more-key-administration-posts-7-9-09|title=President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts, 7-9-09|date=July 9, 2009|access-date=September 21, 2016|via=]|work=]|archive-date=February 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216174327/https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/president-obama-announces-more-key-administration-posts-7-9-09|url-status=live}}</ref> The possibility of his being named to the post was first reported by '']'' in May 2009.<ref name=first>{{cite news|url=http://m.spiegel.de/international/europe/a-626024.html|title=Diplomatic Poker: Ex-Banker Expected to Be Named US Ambassador in Berlin - Spiegel Online|first=Spiegel Online, Hamburg|last=Germany|newspaper=Der Spiegel|date=May 20, 2009|access-date=August 19, 2017|archive-date=May 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509233206/https://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/diplomatic-poker-ex-banker-expected-to-be-named-us-ambassador-in-berlin-a-626024.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The former U.S. Ambassador ] supported the choice, saying, "Murphy has been involved in German-American relations for many years. He's a good choice."<ref name=first/> An ] was issued,<ref name="second">{{Cite news|url=http://m.spiegel.de/international/germany/a-633889.html#spRedirectedFrom=www&referrrer=http://harpers.org/blog/2009/07/ambassadorships-for-sale/|title=He's Willkommen in Germany: Berlin Gives Green Light to Obama's Ambassador Pick - Spiegel Online|last=Germany|first=Spiegel Online, Hamburg|newspaper=Der Spiegel|date=July 2, 2009|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161120212344/http://m.spiegel.de/international/germany/a-633889.html#spRedirectedFrom=www&referrrer=http://harpers.org/blog/2009/07/ambassadorships-for-sale/|archive-date=November 20, 2016|url-status=live|access-date=July 27, 2017}}</ref> and Obama formally nominated him to the position on July 9.<ref name=imp>{{cite web|url=http://observer.com/2009/09/murphy-will-be-sworn-in-as-u-s-ambassador-to-germany-on-sunday-fishman-still-awaits-action-rumors-on-steinbergs-successor/|title=Murphy will be sworn in as U.S. Ambassador to Germany on Sunday; Fishman still awaits action; Rumors on Steinberg's successor|website=]|date=September 9, 2009|access-date=August 19, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805182301/http://observer.com/2009/09/murphy-will-be-sworn-in-as-u-s-ambassador-to-germany-on-sunday-fishman-still-awaits-action-rumors-on-steinbergs-successor/|archive-date=August 5, 2017}}</ref> Murphy was confirmed by the ] on August 7,<ref name=amb>{{cite web |url=http://germany.usembassy.gov/about/ambassador/ |title=Embassy of the United States - Berlin, Germany: Homepage |access-date=August 24, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091002193200/http://germany.usembassy.gov/about/ambassador/ |archive-date=October 2, 2009 }} - As it was on August 21, 2009, during Murphy's time as Ambassador to Germany</ref> and appeared with his family in ] on August 21.<ref>{{cite web|first=Joe|last=Weisenthal|date=April 17, 2010|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/philip-d-murphy-goldman-sachs-2010-4|title=Meet America's Ambassador To Germany -- Guess Which Fraud-Accused Bank He Used To Work For|website=]|access-date=August 19, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170805181519/http://www.businessinsider.com/philip-d-murphy-goldman-sachs-2010-4|archive-date=August 5, 2017}}</ref> That they arrived in an expensive ] executive jet irked ], who saw it as evidence of the long practice of presidents awarding wealthy donors with ambassadorships.<ref name=jamb/><ref name=imp/> Murphy presented his credentials in Berlin to German President ] on September 3,<ref name=dated/> which the State Department considers his effective start date.<ref name=bell>{{cite web |url=https://history.state.gov/departmenthistory/people/murphy-philip-d |title=Philip D. Murphy - People - Department History - Office of the Historian |access-date=December 6, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220120543/https://history.state.gov/departmenthistory/people/murphy-philip-d |archive-date=December 20, 2016 }} State Department Historian page for Murphy</ref> He was sworn into the position on September 13.<ref name=imp/>


During his tenure, Murphy promoted American trade and focused on engaging Germany's youth through town hall meetings, exchange programs, and social media communication.<ref name=dated>{{cite web|url=http://m.state.gov/md130427.htm|title=Murphy, Philip D.|access-date=September 29, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822211238/http://m.state.gov/md130427.htm|archive-date=August 22, 2016}}</ref> He said, "The legacy of our time together in Germany will be measured by how well we 'set the table' for tomorrow, by how deeply today's youth understand the ongoing relevance of the transatlantic bridge. They are tomorrow's leaders and our investment in their future is our highest priority."<ref name=dated/> In doing so he paid particular attention to children who had ], who rarely had the opportunity to meet Americans.<ref name=bye>{{cite web |url=https://www.globalsuccess-club.net/goodbye-philip-murphy |title=Goodbye-Philip-Murphy - Global Success |access-date=September 30, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161028090013/https://www.globalsuccess-club.net/goodbye-philip-murphy |archive-date=October 28, 2016 }}</ref>
He has helped lead local charities to support troubled teens and domestic abuse survivors. Murphy and his wife founded ], a teen helpline in New Jersey that had fielded some 700,000 calls by 2015 and that has helped save lives.<ref name=na>{{Cite web|url=http://www.naacp.org/pages/board-member-philip-d.-murphy|title=Board Member Philip D. Murphy|website=www.naacp.org|access-date=May 17, 2016}}</ref><ref name=
irish/>


The ] contained negative statements Murphy signed about senior German politicians, including a remark by Murphy that Merkel was "insecure" and unfavorable comments by embassy staff about ], the German foreign minister.<ref name=timel>{{Cite news|url=http://content.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2033526,00.html|title=German-U.S. Relations Will Survive WikiLeaks — but the Trust Is Gone|last=Moore|first=Tristana|date=November 29, 2010|newspaper=Time|issn=0040-781X|access-date=September 21, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160917184758/http://content.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2033526,00.html|archive-date=September 17, 2016}}</ref> Some German officials expressed desire that Murphy be recalled.<ref name=jamb>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/05/former_ambassador_to_germany_seriously_considers_bid_for_nj_governor.html#incart_m-rpt-1|title=Former ambassador to Germany seriously considers bid for NJ governor|date=May 21, 2014|access-date=September 21, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160723043138/http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/05/former_ambassador_to_germany_seriously_considers_bid_for_nj_governor.html#incart_m-rpt-1|archive-date=July 23, 2016}}</ref> In response, Murphy appeared on German television outlets such as ] in an attempt at damage control.<ref name=timel/> In '']'', he said, "I'm a big boy. At the end of the day, the buck stops with me," and that he would not "apologize for one speck" of what his staff had done.<ref name= timel />{{Better source needed|date=November 2020|reason=The way these quotes are integrated is confusing, but more importantly, neither the archived nor current version of the linked article uses them. I've checked through several articles on Der Spiegel as well, and I can't seem to find that particular exchange.}} On December 5, he apologized for the leak in ].<ref>{{cite news |last=Malzahn |first=Claus Christian |url=https://www.welt.de/print/wams/vermischtes/article11400615/Die-Verraeter-werden-zu-Gejagten.html |title=Die Verräter werden zu Gejagten |language=de |work=] |location=Berlin |publisher=] |date=December 5, 2010 |access-date=October 19, 2018 |quote=I am really shaken and angry that this leak has arisen. And I apologize for it everywhere. |archive-date=June 25, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625234902/https://www.welt.de/print/wams/vermischtes/article11400615/Die-Verraeter-werden-zu-Gejagten.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Murphy later said that the episode was "incredibly awkward and embarrassing" but that the two countries worked through it, and that in the end Germany-United States relations were stronger than ever.<ref name=jamb/>
During 2004-05 Murphy co-chaired a national task force on 21st century public education for the ] that featured fellow co-chairs Governor of Arizona ] and academic and civil rights figure ].<ref name=allgov/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://mobile.edweek.org/c.jsp?cid=25919951&bcid=25919951&rssid=25919941&item=http://api.edweek.org/v1/ew/?uuid=5E587C22-2FB7-11DB-BD55-CC2980C3ACA9|title=Education Week|website=mobile.edweek.org|accessdate=August 19, 2017}}</ref><ref name=edu/>
The Renewing Our Schools, Securing Our Future task force issued a report called “Getting Smarter, Becoming Fairer: A Progressive Education Agenda For A Stronger Nation”.<ref name=edu/> It called for a longer school day, a reorganized school year, and extending learning scenarios to the pre-kindergarten and post-high school domains.<ref name="edu">{{Cite news|url=https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/education/news/2005/08/23/1613/national-education-task-force-says-students-must-spend-more-time-in-school/|title=National Education Task Force Says Students Must Spend More Time in School - Center for American Progress|last=|first=|date=August 23, 2005|work=Center for American Progress|access-date=June 27, 2017|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|language=en-US}}</ref>


] upon arrival in Berlin early in 2013]]
The Murphy family's time in Germany made them all soccer enthusiasts.<ref name = irish/><ref name=dated/>
Regarding the ], Murphy said in 2013, "The big debate in Europe, which I think is a false debate, is either fiscal consolidation or growth. And the reality is that Europe needs both: it needs fiscal consolidation and growth."<ref name=polly/> Regarding economic differences between the nations, he said, "Germany believes strongly that the first order of business is to cut your debts and deficits and from that, good things will come. We're more likely to say a little bit of stimulus will jump-start things, even if it means incurring more debt. But you work your way through those issues."<ref name=wall/>
Murphy has served on the boards of the ]<ref>* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/*/http://www.ussoccerfoundation.org/site/c.gpLPJQOpHkE/b.878217/k.9E65/Philip_Murphy.htm |date=* |title=U.S. Soccer Foundation }}</ref> and the ].<ref name=allgov/> He owns a stake in the professional New Jersey women's soccer club ];<ref name=na/> he has said that he knows the club is money-losing venture but he wanted to show his soccer-playing daughter that women's professional soccer can exist in the United States.<ref name="taxes">{{cite web|url=http://www.njtvonline.org/news/video/gubernatorial-candidate-phil-murphy-releases-tax-returns/|title=Gubernatorial Candidate Phil Murphy Releases Tax Returns - Video - NJTV News|publisher=|accessdate=September 29, 2016}}</ref>


On May 29, 2013, it was announced that Murphy was stepping down from the post.<ref name="polly">{{cite web|url=http://thepolitic.org/an-interview-with-philip-d-murphy-u-s-ambassador-to-germany/|title=An Interview with Philip D. Murphy, U.S. Ambassador to Germany - The Politic|date=August 15, 2013 |access-date=September 29, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703025238/http://thepolitic.org/an-interview-with-philip-d-murphy-u-s-ambassador-to-germany/|archive-date=July 3, 2015}}</ref> He was still ambassador as of July 3;<ref>{{cite web |url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/documents/organization/211791.pdf |title=U.S. Ambassador Philip Murphy leaves Germany |website=2009-2017.state.gov |access-date=June 24, 2017 |archive-date=August 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806073557/https://2009-2017.state.gov/documents/organization/211791.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> he returned to the United States at some point during July<ref name=jamb/><ref name=bye/> and formally stayed in the role until his mission terminated on August 26.<ref name=bell/>
====New Jersey Benefits Task Force chair====
In May 2005,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.gov/benefitsreview/executive_order.html|title=Benefits Review Task Force|publisher=|accessdate=September 29, 2016}}</ref> Murphy was named by Acting Governor ] to Chair the ], on public sector employee benefits in his home State of New Jersey, in response to the ], a particularly long-running instance of the ].<ref name=na/><ref name=jamb/><ref name=nation/>


==Post-ambassadorship==
The task force reported its findings in December 2005.<ref>http://www.nj.gov/benefitsreview/final_report.pdf</ref> By this time Murphy was already considered to be retired from Goldman Sachs.<ref name=tough>{{cite web|url=http://mobile.nytimes.com/2005/12/04/nyregion/in-task-force-report-a-challenge.html?_r=0&referer=|title=In Task Force Report, a Challenge - NYTimes.com|publisher=|accessdate=September 29, 2016}}</ref> The report decried past state practices, saying that "gimmicks" had been constructed instead of genuine solutions.<ref name=tough/>
Murphy was mentioned as a potential candidate in the ], but did not run.<ref name=jamb/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thirteen.org/metrofocus/2011/08/op-ed-handicapping-the-2013-nj-gubernatorial-race/|title=Op-Ed: Handicapping the 2013 NJ Gubernatorial Race|date=August 31, 2011|access-date=September 29, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160504093134/http://www.thirteen.org/metrofocus/2011/08/op-ed-handicapping-the-2013-nj-gubernatorial-race/|archive-date=May 4, 2016}}</ref> Instead, upon returning to the U.S. after his ambassadorship, he rejoined Murphy Endeavors LLC (a business management consultancy firm with offices in ], at which he was the principal).<ref name=wall>{{cite web|url=http://www.app.com/story/news/local/monmouth-county/2014/11/02/philip-murphy-berlin-wall-anniversary-middletown-red-bank/18393551/|title=Berlin Wall anniversary resonates with Middletown's Murphy|access-date=May 9, 2024|archive-date=May 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509233142/https://www.app.com/story/news/local/monmouth-county/2014/11/02/philip-murphy-berlin-wall-anniversary-middletown-red-bank/18393551/|url-status=live}}</ref> He started the firm in 2009 after leaving the DNC position, but it was soon put on hold due to his ambassadorial nomination.<ref name=allgov/> He also gave speeches about his experiences in Germany, especially in connection with the 25th anniversary of the ].<ref name = wall />


In 2014, Murphy created New Start New Jersey, a nonprofit progressive policy think tank that held a number of events around New Jersey.<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160515021805/http://www.nsnj.org/|date=May 15, 2016}} New Start New Jersey</ref> His wife was co-founder, chair, and secretary.<ref name="tammy">{{cite web |url=https://www.andover.edu/About/AdministrationGovernance/Pages/CharterTrusteeTammySnyderMurphy83.aspx |title=Phillips Academy - Charter Trustee: Tammy Snyder Murphy '83 |access-date=November 9, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528134059/https://www.andover.edu/About/AdministrationGovernance/Pages/CharterTrusteeTammySnyderMurphy83.aspx |archive-date=May 28, 2010 }}</ref> The organization said it would neither endorse nor fund political candidates, as it was barred from doing so,<ref name=tout/><ref name=nwfnj/> but it raised Murphy's political visibility. Its events included an appearance by singer ].<ref name=nwfnj/> One of its goals was to help displaced workers back into the work force.<ref name = irish /> (Making reference to visibility, in 2016 ] revealed that Murphy was already seriously considering running for governor when the organization was founded, telling Podesta that his ambitions were "''very'' serious but not yet committed" and that the new entity would improve his name recognition.<ref name=pod>{{cite web|url=http://www.wnyc.org/story/wikileaks-emails-small-look-dark-money-group-new-jersey/|title=In Wikileaks Emails, a Glimpse of Phil Murphy's Campaign for Governor|access-date=August 19, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819234520/http://www.wnyc.org/story/wikileaks-emails-small-look-dark-money-group-new-jersey/|archive-date=August 19, 2017}}</ref>)
Murphy as chair recommended the sale of publicly owned assets, which for the most part did not happen, but some of his other suggestions, such as raising the age of retirement and recalculating how pensions related to salary earned, were followed forward with.<ref name=7facts/> Labor unions were opposed to the recommendations, with leader ] saying, “We will fight vigorously and loudly against any cuts to our pensions or health benefits proposed by the task force.”<ref name=nation/> The '']'' wrote that "no matter what happens, the report's legacy may well be that it tried to tackle the issues head-on."<ref name=tough/>


After Murphy announced his candidacy for governor, New Start New Jersey continued, albeit without Murphy on its board.<ref name=polfold/>
====U.S. Ambassador to Germany====
]
]]Murphy served as United States Ambassador to Germany under President Barack Obama from 2009–2013.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/president-obama-announces-more-key-administration-posts-7-9-09|title=President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts, 7-9-09|date=July 9, 2009|access-date=September 21, 2016}}</ref>


In September 2015, Murphy launched the progressive organization New Way for New Jersey, which held a number of town halls, including some by telephone on Sunday evenings, and encouraged Democrats to sign petitions critical of incumbent Governor ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/09/likely_democratic_candidate_for_nj_governor_touts.htm |title=Archived copy |access-date=May 17, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629124852/http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/09/likely_democratic_candidate_for_nj_governor_touts.htm |archive-date=June 29, 2016 }} New Way for New Jersey</ref> Unlike New Start New Jersey, New Way for New Jersey was an explicitly political organization.<ref name=polfold/>
The possibility of Murphy being named to the post was first reported by '']'' in May 2009.<ref name=first>{{cite web|url=http://m.spiegel.de/international/europe/a-626024.html|title=Diplomatic Poker: Ex-Banker Expected to Be Named US Ambassador in Berlin - SPIEGEL ONLINE|first=SPIEGEL ONLINE, Hamburg,|last=Germany|website=m.spiegel.de|accessdate=August 19, 2017}}</ref> The former U. S. Ambassador ] supported the choice saying "Murphy has been involved in German-American relations for many years. He's a good choice."<ref name=first/> An agrément was issued.<ref name="second">{{Cite web|url=http://m.spiegel.de/international/germany/a-633889.html#spRedirectedFrom=www&referrrer=http://harpers.org/blog/2009/07/ambassadorships-for-sale/|title=He's Willkommen in Germany: Berlin Gives Green Light to Obama's Ambassador Pick - SPIEGEL ONLINE|last=Germany|first=SPIEGEL ONLINE, Hamburg,|date=|website=m.spiegel.de|language=en|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|access-date=July 27, 2017}}</ref>


On March 2, 2016, New Way for New Jersey launched a petition that criticized Christie for neglecting his duties as governor due to his travel and support of ]. The group implored Christie to "do your job or quit".<ref>{{cite web|author=Alfaro, Alyana|url=https://observer.com/2016/03/petition-calling-for-christies-resignation-balloons/|title=Petition Calling for Christie's Resignation Balloons|newspaper=Observer|date=March 4, 2016|accessdate=August 4, 2021|archivedate=September 24, 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924130221/http://mobile.bergendispatch.com/default.aspx?p=articles&news=37755719&title=Murphy-Calls-On-Governor-Christie-to-Do-His-Job-Or-Quit}}</ref>
His formal nomination to the position was made by the president on July 9, 2009.<ref name=imp>{{cite web|url=http://observer.com/2009/09/murphy-will-be-sworn-in-as-u-s-ambassador-to-germany-on-sunday-fishman-still-awaits-action-rumors-on-steinbergs-successor/|title=Murphy will be sworn in as U.S. Ambassador to Germany on Sunday; Fishman still awaits action; Rumors on Steinberg’s successor|date=September 9, 2009|publisher=|accessdate=August 19, 2017}}</ref> It was then confirmed by the ] on August 7, 2009.<ref name = amb>http://germany.usembassy.gov/about/ambassador/ - As it was on August 21, 2009 during Murphy's time as Ambassador to Germany</ref> Murphy appeared with his family in ] on August 21, 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/philip-d-murphy-goldman-sachs-2010-4|title=Meet America's Ambassador To Germany -- Guess Which Fraud-Accused Bank He Used To Work For|publisher=|accessdate=August 19, 2017}}</ref> That they arrived in an expensive ] executive jet irked Chancellor Merkel, who saw it as evidence of the long practice of presidents awarding wealthy donors with ambassadorships.<ref name=jamb/><ref name=imp/> Murphy presented his credentials in Berlin to German President ] on September 3, 2009,<ref name=dated/> which is considered by the State Department to be his effective start date.<ref name=bell>https://history.state.gov/departmenthistory/people/murphy-philip-d State Department Historian page for Murphy</ref> He was then sworn into the position on September 13.<ref name=imp/>


After Murphy announced his candidacy for governor, New Way for New Jersey folded.<ref name=polfold>{{cite web|url=http://www.politico.com/states/new-jersey/story/2016/05/phil-murphy-becomes-first-major-candidate-to-declare-run-for-governor-101750|title=Phil Murphy becomes first major candidate to declare run for governor|website=]|date=May 16, 2016 |access-date=September 29, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005063714/http://www.politico.com/states/new-jersey/story/2016/05/phil-murphy-becomes-first-major-candidate-to-declare-run-for-governor-101750|archive-date=October 5, 2016}}</ref>
During his tenure, Murphy promoted American trade and focused on engaging Germany’s youth through town hall meetings, exchange programs, and social media communication.<ref name=dated>{{cite web|url=http://m.state.gov/md130427.htm|title=Murphy, Philip D.|publisher=|accessdate=September 29, 2016}}</ref> Murphy said, "The legacy of our time together in Germany will be measured by how well we ‘set the table’ for tomorrow, by how deeply today’s youth understand the ongoing relevance of the transatlantic bridge. They are tomorrow’s leaders and our investment in their future is our highest priority.”<ref name=dated/> In doing so he paid particular attention to children who were part of ], who rarely had the opportunity to meet Americans.<ref name=bye>https://www.globalsuccess-club.net/goodbye-philip-murphy</ref>


== 2017 gubernatorial campaign ==
The ] published by ] in 2010 contained negative statements signed by Ambassador Murphy about senior German politicians, including a remark by Murphy that Chancellor Merkel was "insecure" and unfavorable comments by embassy staff about ], the German foreign minister.<ref name=timel>{{Cite news|url=http://content.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2033526,00.html|title=German-U.S. Relations Will Survive WikiLeaks — but the Trust Is Gone|last=Moore|first=Tristana|date=November 29, 2010|newspaper=Time|issn=0040-781X|access-date=September 21, 2016}}</ref> Some German officials expressed desire for Ambassador Murphy to be recalled.<ref name=jamb>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/05/former_ambassador_to_germany_seriously_considers_bid_for_nj_governor.html#incart_m-rpt-1|title=Former ambassador to Germany seriously considers bid for NJ governor|access-date=September 21, 2016}}</ref>
{{Main|2017 New Jersey gubernatorial election}}
]


In May 2016 Murphy announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination in the ].<ref name=polfold/><ref name=njtv/> He became the race's first announced candidate.<ref name=polfold/><ref name=njtv>{{cite web|url=http://www.njtvonline.org/news/video/phil-murphy-becomes-first-candidate-2017-governors-race/|title=Phil Murphy Becomes First Candidate in 2017 Governor's Race - Video - NJTV News|access-date=September 29, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161022130433/http://www.njtvonline.org/news/video/phil-murphy-becomes-first-candidate-2017-governors-race/|archive-date=October 22, 2016}}</ref> He said of his rationale, "I am running for governor because New Jersey desperately needs adult leadership that puts our people first."<ref>Campaign mailer, late May 2016.</ref>
In response, Murphy appeared on German television outlets such as ] in an attempt at performing damage control.<ref name=timel/>
Likewise he addressed the crisis in the German press: in '']'', he said that "I’m a big boy. At the end of the day, the buck stops with me," and that he would not "apologize for one speck" of what his staff had done.<ref name= timel /> Murphy later said that the episode was "incredibly awkward and embarrassing" but that the two countries worked through it, and that in the end Germany-United States relations were stronger than ever.<ref name=jamb/>


Announcing so early was unusual.<ref name=polfold/> Comparisons with unpopular former governor ], another wealthy former Goldman Sachs executive, were a challenge Murphy had to meet.<ref name=jamb/><ref name="bloom">{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2016-05-31/phil-murphy-s-tough-sell-goldman-pedigree-but-no-corzine-clone|title=Phil Murphy's Tough Sell: Goldman Pedigree, But No Corzine Clone|newspaper=Bloomberg.com|date=May 31, 2016|access-date=September 29, 2016|via=www.bloomberg.com|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160622104256/http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2016-05-31/phil-murphy-s-tough-sell-goldman-pedigree-but-no-corzine-clone|archive-date=June 22, 2016}}</ref><ref name=polfold/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://politickernj.com/2014/12/brutal-journal-story-paints-philip-murphy-as-elitist-dandy/|title=Brutal Journal Story Paints Philip Murphy as Elitist Dandy|date=December 21, 2014|access-date=September 29, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160815035452/http://politickernj.com/2014/12/brutal-journal-story-paints-philip-murphy-as-elitist-dandy/|archive-date=August 15, 2016}}</ref> Murphy also began the campaign with little name recognition.<ref name=bloom/> He initially planned to lend $10 million to the campaign but to also aggressively fund-raise.<ref name=njtv/> He said he would accept no so-called ] and that "I'm holding our campaign to a higher standard."<ref name=bipolar>{{cite web|url=http://politickernj.com/2016/06/murphy-said-he-holds-his-campaign-to-a-higher-standard-than-others/|title=Murphy Said He Holds His Campaign to a 'Higher Standard' Than Others|date=June 30, 2016|access-date=September 29, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813105419/http://politickernj.com/2016/06/murphy-said-he-holds-his-campaign-to-a-higher-standard-than-others/|archive-date=August 13, 2016}}</ref>
] upon arrival in Berlin early in 2013]]
]
Regarding the ], Murphy said in 2013, "The big debate in Europe, which I think is a false debate, is either fiscal consolidation or growth. And the reality is that Europe needs both: it needs fiscal consolidation and growth."<ref name=polly/> Regarding economic differences between the nations, he said, "Germany believes strongly that the first order of business is to cut your debts and deficits and from that, good things will come. We're more likely to say a little bit of stimulus will jump-start things, even if it means incurring more debt. But you work your way through those issues."<ref name=wall/>
Murphy was the first declared Democratic candidate for governor, although several other candidates were expected to run. Jersey City Mayor ], Assemblyman ] of ], State Senator ], and State Senate President ] of ] were often mentioned in news media along with other candidates.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2015/06/christie_announcement_means_little_for_fulops_gove.html|title=Christie news means little for Fulop's 2017 ambitions, experts say|date=June 30, 2015|access-date=September 29, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308132240/http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2015/06/christie_announcement_means_little_for_fulops_gove.html|archive-date=March 8, 2016}}</ref><ref name=shock/><ref name=observer8>{{cite web|url=http://observer.com/2016/08/into-the-bowels-of-2017-the-unfolding-dem-party-gov-race-back-drama/|title=Into the Bowels of 2017: The Unfolding NJ Dem Party Gov. Race Backs Drama|website=]|date=August 19, 2016|access-date=September 29, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160922110548/http://observer.com/2016/08/into-the-bowels-of-2017-the-unfolding-dem-party-gov-race-back-drama/|archive-date=September 22, 2016}}</ref> Fulop and Sweeney were geographic rivals, and in terms of state party organizational support, Max Pizarro of the ''New York Observer'' characterized Murphy as "everyone's number two choice. If Fulop or Sweeney stumbles, Murphy could rocket from zero to 100 overnight."<ref name=observer8/>


On September 28, 2016, Fulop announced he would not run for governor and endorsed Murphy.<ref name=shock>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/09/fulop_wont_run_for_nj_governor_shifting_2017_race_to_succeed_christie.html|title=Fulop won't run for N.J. governor, a 'game-changer' for 2017 race to succeed Christie|access-date=September 29, 2016|website=New Jersey.com|date=September 28, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161001053952/http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/09/fulop_wont_run_for_nj_governor_shifting_2017_race_to_succeed_christie.html|archive-date=October 1, 2016}}</ref> On October 6, Sweeney announced he too would not run, citing apparent party support for Murphy, whom he endorsed.<ref name="nj10">{{cite web|title=Sweeney says he won't run for Governor|url=http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/10/sweeney_says_he_wont_run_for_nj_governor.html|website=nj.com|date=October 6, 2016|access-date=October 7, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009120307/http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/10/sweeney_says_he_wont_run_for_nj_governor.html|archive-date=October 9, 2016}}</ref> The move came as Murphy was corralling dozens of endorsements, including all of those from North Jersey county party committees and the most populous Central Jersey county committees.<ref name="cp10">{{cite web|url=http://www.courierpostonline.com/story/news/local/south-jersey/2016/10/06/murphy-racks-endorsements-sweeney-exits-race-governor/91705850/|title=Murphy racks up endorsements; Sweeney exits race for governor|website=Courier Post|date=June 10, 2016|access-date=August 19, 2017|archive-date=May 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509232950/https://www.courierpostonline.com/story/news/local/south-jersey/2016/10/06/murphy-racks-endorsements-sweeney-exits-race-governor/91705850/|url-status=live}}</ref>
On May 29, 2013, it was announced that Murphy was stepping down from the posting.<ref name="polly">{{cite web|url=http://thepolitic.org/an-interview-with-philip-d-murphy-u-s-ambassador-to-germany/|title=An Interview with Philip D. Murphy, U.S. Ambassador to Germany - The Politic|publisher=|accessdate=September 29, 2016}}</ref> However, he was still ambassador as of July 3;<ref>https://www.state.gov/documents/organization/211791.pdf</ref> he returned to the United States at some point during that month of July.<ref name=jamb/><ref name=bye/> He formally stayed in the role until his mission terminated on August 26, 2013.<ref name=bell/>


As a result of these withdrawals Murphy became the clear front-runner for the nomination,<ref name="nj10" /> but Wisniewski and Lesniak, the two best-known remaining potential candidates, both said they still intended to run.<ref name="app10">"Sweeney drops his bid for governor as Murphy rides high", ''Asbury Park Press'', October 7, 2016, pp. 1A, 2A.</ref>
===Entry into New Jersey politics===
Murphy was mentioned as a potential candidate in the ], but did not run.<ref name=jamb/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thirteen.org/metrofocus/2011/08/op-ed-handicapping-the-2013-nj-gubernatorial-race/|title=Op-Ed: Handicapping the 2013 NJ Gubernatorial Race|date=August 31, 2011|publisher=|accessdate=September 29, 2016}}</ref> Rather, upon returning to the United States he returned to Murphy Endeavors LLC, a business management consultancy firm, of which he was the principal, with offices in ].<ref name=wall>http://www.app.com/story/news/local/monmouth-county/2014/11/02/philip-murphy-berlin-wall-anniversary-middletown-red-bank/18393551/</ref> He had first started this firm in 2009 after leaving the DNC position, but it had soon been put on hold due to his ambassadorial nomination.<ref name=allgov/> He also gave speeches about his experiences in Germany, especially in connection with the 25th anniversary of the ].<ref name = wall />


After the unexpected result of the ], Murphy noted that the fortunes of the state Democratic Party had improved in the election, saying, "As with so many, I am disappointed by the results from Tuesday. But I refuse to be discouraged. And I won't be dissuaded from working to make New Jersey a fairer, more just place for all of us."<ref>Emailcast from Phil Murphy, "I Refuse to be Discouraged", November 10, 2016.</ref> Murphy subsequently drew criticism from the ] and Republican candidate for governor, ], for seeming to draw a comparison between the Trump campaign and the early years of the ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/02/lt_gov_guadagno_accuses_murphy_of_comparing_trump.html |title=Guadagno accuses Murphy of comparing Trump to Hitler |date=February 22, 2017 |access-date=March 5, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170321084656/http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/02/lt_gov_guadagno_accuses_murphy_of_comparing_trump.html |archive-date=March 21, 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://mobile.nytimes.com/2017/02/23/us/democrats-dnc-chairman-trump-keith-ellison-tom-perez.html?referer=https://www.bing.com/news/search?q=phil+murphy+criticized+new+york+times&FORM=HDRSC4&PC=APPL|title=Trump campaign|newspaper=The New York Times|date=February 23, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103072420/https://mobile.nytimes.com/2017/02/23/us/democrats-dnc-chairman-trump-keith-ellison-tom-perez.html?referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bing.com%2Fnews%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dphil+murphy+criticized+new+york+times&FORM=HDRSC4&PC=APPL |archive-date=January 3, 2018 |last1=Martin|first1=Jonathan|last2=Burns|first2=Alexander}}</ref>
====New Start New Jersey====
In 2014, Murphy created New Start New Jersey, a non-profit progressive policy think tank which held a number of events around New Jersey.<ref> New Start New Jersey</ref> His wife Tammy was co-founder, chair, and secretary.<ref name="tammy">https://www.andover.edu/About/AdministrationGovernance/Pages/CharterTrusteeTammySnyderMurphy83.aspx</ref> The organization said it would neither endorse nor fund political candidates, as it was barred from doing so.<ref name=tout/><ref name=nwfnj/> However it did serve to raise Phil Murphy's political visibility and its events included an appearance by singer ].<ref name=nwfnj/> One of its goals was to help displaced workers back into the work force.<ref name = irish /> (Making reference to visibility, in 2016 ] revealed that Murphy was already seriously considering a run for governor when this organization was founded, telling the Democratic power figure that his ambitions were "''very'' serious but not yet committed" and that the new entity would indeed improve his name recognition.<ref name=pod>{{cite web|url=http://www.wnyc.org/story/wikileaks-emails-small-look-dark-money-group-new-jersey/|title=In Wikileaks Emails, a Glimpse of Phil Murphy's Campaign for Governor|publisher=|accessdate=August 19, 2017}}</ref>)


On November 15, Wisniewski, who gained visibility as a leader of the ] investigations, announced his run for governor.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/NJ-Governor-Race-Announcement-401323006.html|title=Bridgegate Crusader John Wisniewski to Run For NJ Governor|date=November 15, 2016 |access-date=August 19, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170820033006/http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/NJ-Governor-Race-Announcement-401323006.html|archive-date=August 20, 2017}}</ref> In his message he implicitly criticized Murphy, saying "I'm not a Wall Street executive. I haven't made hundreds of millions of dollars by outsourcing jobs. I've learned the value of public service..."<ref>Email, "I'm running for Governor of New Jersey", November 15, 2016.</ref>
====New Way for New Jersey====
In September 2015, Phil Murphy launched a progressive organization named New Way for New Jersey, which held a number of town halls, including some by telephone on Sunday evenings, and encouraged Democrats to sign petitions critical of incumbent Governor ].<ref> New Way for New Jersey</ref> Unlike New Start New Jersey, New Way for New Jersey was an explicitly political organization.<ref name=polfold/>


In January 2017 Murphy was endorsed by New Jersey's two U.S. senators, ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://observer.com/2017/01/nj-senators-menendez-and-booker-endorse-murphy-for-governor/|title=NJ Senators Menendez and Booker Endorse Murphy for Governor|website=]|date=January 9, 2017|access-date=August 19, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170820033250/http://observer.com/2017/01/nj-senators-menendez-and-booker-endorse-murphy-for-governor/|archive-date=August 20, 2017}}</ref> He also had the endorsements of all 21 county party organizations.<ref name=stile>Charles Stile, "For gubernatorial hopefuls, a chance to flex new identities," Asbury Park Press, May 30, 2017, page 1.</ref> In statewide races, these designations offer favorable ballot position, which some voters pick by default, and are often central to success.<ref name=stile/><ref name =tunedout/>
====Criticism of Chris Christie====
During this time and making reference to ] and the governor's subsequent support and travel on behalf of ], Murphy implored Christie, "Do your job or quit."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mobile.bergendispatch.com/default.aspx?p=articles&news=37755719&title=Murphy-Calls-On-Governor-Christie-to-Do-His-Job-Or-Quit|title=Murphy Calls On Governor Christie to Do His Job Or Quit - Bergen Dispatch|publisher=|accessdate=September 29, 2016}}</ref> Murphy supported ] and fundraised for her.<ref name=7facts/>


By February 2017 Murphy was leading by a solid margin in a ] both for the Democratic nomination and in a putative general election matchup against Guadagno.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nj1015.com/who-candidates-to-be-nj-governor-all-but-anonymous-poll-finds/ |title=Who? Candidates to be NJ governor 'all but anonymous,' poll finds |date=February 2017 |access-date=February 11, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170212093038/http://nj1015.com/who-candidates-to-be-nj-governor-all-but-anonymous-poll-finds/ |archive-date=February 12, 2017 }}</ref> Another poll was less certain, showing most voters undecided.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.phillyvoice.com/latest-poll-reveals-uncertainty-race-new-jersey-governor/ |title=Latest poll reveals uncertainty in race for New Jersey governor|work=PhillyVoice|first=Jerry|last=Gaul |date=February 9, 2017 |access-date=February 11, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170212164012/http://www.phillyvoice.com/latest-poll-reveals-uncertainty-race-new-jersey-governor/ |archive-date=February 12, 2017 }}</ref>
Following announcement of Murphy's gubernatorial campaign, New Way for New Jersey folded.<ref name=polfold>{{cite web|url=http://www.politico.com/states/new-jersey/story/2016/05/phil-murphy-becomes-first-major-candidate-to-declare-run-for-governor-101750|title=Phil Murphy becomes first major candidate to declare run for governor|publisher=|accessdate=September 29, 2016}}</ref> New Start New Jersey continued, albeit without Murphy on its board.<ref name=polfold/>


Two debates with his main Democratic rivals, including former U.S. Treasury official ] along with Wiesiewski and Lesniak, were held within a short span of time in May; during the second Murphy found himself under sustained attack by his rivals, but defended himself by staking out very progressive positions.<ref name=span>{{cite web|url=http://observer.com/2017/05/winners-and-losers-the-week-of-the-primary-debate-deluge/|title=Winners and Losers: The Week of the Primary Debate Deluge|website=]|date=May 12, 2017|access-date=August 19, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819234120/http://observer.com/2017/05/winners-and-losers-the-week-of-the-primary-debate-deluge/|archive-date=August 19, 2017}}</ref> '']'' wrote, "Underdogs Jim Johnson, Ray Lesniak and John Wisniewski savaged the front-runner, Phil Murphy, accusing him during the 90-minute televised contest of buying off party bosses and being disingenuous on environmental issues."<ref name=savaged>{{cite web|url=http://www.politico.com/states/new-jersey/story/2017/05/11/three-against-one-democratic-rivals-pile-on-murphy-112015|title=Three against one: Democratic rivals pile on Murphy during second debate|website=]|date=May 11, 2017 |access-date=August 19, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819233010/http://www.politico.com/states/new-jersey/story/2017/05/11/three-against-one-democratic-rivals-pile-on-murphy-112015|archive-date=August 19, 2017}}</ref> Subsequent campaigning by those three continued to emphasize that Murphy was "buying" the election.<ref name=winners/> Nonetheless, polls continued to show Murphy with a sizable lead over all rivals.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://stockton.edu/news/2017/poll-gubernatorial-race-may-2017.html|title=Stockton Poll: Murphy, Guadagno Lead in Primary Races for New Jersey Governor - News - Stockton University|website=stockton.edu|access-date=August 19, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170820033128/https://stockton.edu/news/2017/poll-gubernatorial-race-may-2017.html|archive-date=August 20, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.burlingtoncountytimes.com/news/local/election/poll-kim-guadagno-phil-murphy-still-leading-in-primaries/article_f034792a-4171-11e7-b13c-6bb3f7cff5ce.html|title=Poll: Kim Guadagno, Phil Murphy still leading in primaries|first=David Levinsky, staff|last=writer|newspaper=Burlington County Times |access-date=August 19, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170623021538/http://www.burlingtoncountytimes.com/news/local/election/poll-kim-guadagno-phil-murphy-still-leading-in-primaries/article_f034792a-4171-11e7-b13c-6bb3f7cff5ce.html|archive-date=June 23, 2017}}</ref>
==Governor of New Jersey==
===2017 New Jersey gubernatorial election===
In May 2016, Murphy announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination in the ].<ref name=polfold/><ref name=njtv/> He became the race's first announced candidate.<ref name=polfold/><ref name=njtv>{{cite web|url=http://www.njtvonline.org/news/video/phil-murphy-becomes-first-candidate-2017-governors-race/|title=Phil Murphy Becomes First Candidate in 2017 Governor's Race - Video - NJTV News|publisher=|accessdate=September 29, 2016}}</ref> He has said of his rationale, "I am running for governor because New Jersey desperately needs adult leadership that puts our people first."<ref>Campaign mailer, late May 2016.</ref>


With $19 million raised, of which $15 million was his own money, Murphy continued to spend the most of all the candidates; his spending was more than twice that of all the other Democratic and Republican candidates for governor combined.<ref name=savaged/> He also donated $1.5 million to the various county party organizations as well as to some candidates for local offices.<ref name=stile/> Murphy captured the endorsement of the first major national figure to inject himself into the race, former Vice President ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/05/joe_biden_to_campaign_for_phil_murphy_in_nj_govern.html|title=Joe Biden to visit N.J. to campaign for Phil Murphy|date=May 16, 2017|access-date=August 19, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729033709/http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/05/joe_biden_to_campaign_for_phil_murphy_in_nj_govern.html|archive-date=July 29, 2017}}</ref> Additionally, he was endorsed by former Vice President ], which helped solidify Murphy's environmentalist credentials after some attacks on his role as a financier investing in ] operations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://observer.com/2017/05/al-gore-endorses-murphy-for-nj-governor/|title=Al Gore Endorses Murphy for NJ Governor|website=]|date=May 17, 2017|access-date=August 19, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819233957/http://observer.com/2017/05/al-gore-endorses-murphy-for-nj-governor/|archive-date=August 19, 2017}}</ref> He also had the fundraising support of wealthy entertainment figures ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailyrecord.com/story/news/2017/05/31/bon-jovi-whoopi-back-phil-murphy-morristown/358372001/|title=Bon Jovi, Whoopi back Phil Murphy in Morristown|access-date=August 19, 2017|work=Daily Record|first=William|last=Westhoven|archive-date=May 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509233143/https://www.dailyrecord.com/story/news/2017/05/31/bon-jovi-whoopi-back-phil-murphy-morristown/358372001/|url-status=live}}</ref> Most, though not all, of the key labor unions in the state, also supported Murphy.<ref name=stile/> Nevertheless, there was still a sense of apathy about the election on the part of the state's voters; as the ''New York Times'' stated shortly before the primary vote, "a majority of voters still say they 'don't know' who to vote for and are not doing much to find out."<ref name = tunedout >Nick Corasaniti, "New Jersey's Primary Nears With Many Voters Tuned Out," New York Times, June 5, 2017, p. A17.</ref>
Announcing so early was an unusual act.<ref name=polfold/>
Comparisons with unpopular former governor ], another wealthy former Goldman Sachs executive, were a challenge Murphy had to meet.<ref name=jamb/><ref name="bloom">{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2016-05-31/phil-murphy-s-tough-sell-goldman-pedigree-but-no-corzine-clone|title=Phil Murphy’s Tough Sell: Goldman Pedigree, But No Corzine Clone|date=May 31, 2016|publisher=|accessdate=September 29, 2016|via=www.bloomberg.com}}</ref><ref name=polfold/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://politickernj.com/2014/12/brutal-journal-story-paints-philip-murphy-as-elitist-dandy/|title=Brutal Journal Story Paints Philip Murphy as Elitist Dandy|date=December 21, 2014|publisher=|accessdate=September 29, 2016}}</ref> Murphy also began the campaign with low name visibility among the state's voters.<ref name=bloom/>
The candidate initially planned to loan $10 million of his own money to the campaign but to also aggressively fund-raise.<ref name=njtv/> However, he said he would accept no so-called ] and that "I’m holding our campaign to a higher standard."<ref name=bipolar>{{cite web|url=http://politickernj.com/2016/06/murphy-said-he-holds-his-campaign-to-a-higher-standard-than-others/|title=Murphy Said He Holds His Campaign to a ‘Higher Standard’ Than Others|date=June 30, 2016|publisher=|accessdate=September 29, 2016}}</ref>


Murphy won the June 6 primary decisively, with 48% of the vote. Johnson and Wisniewski finished second and third with 22% apiece, Lesniak got 5%, and scattered others less.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/06/murphy_wins_democratic_nod_to_succeed_christie_as.html|title=Phil Murphy wins Democratic nod in fight to succeed Christie as N.J. governor|date=June 7, 2017|access-date=August 19, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170820000243/http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/06/murphy_wins_democratic_nod_to_succeed_christie_as.html|archive-date=August 20, 2017}}</ref><ref name=mountie>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/elections/results/new-jersey-primary-elections|title=New Jersey Primary Results: Murphy Will Face Guadagno in Governor's Race|website=]|access-date=June 7, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170607012439/https://www.nytimes.com/elections/results/new-jersey-primary-elections|archive-date=June 7, 2017}}</ref>
====2016 developments====
Murphy was the first declared Democratic candidate for governor, although several other candidates were expected to run. Mayor of Jersey City ], Assemblyman ] of ], State Senator ], and State Senate President ] of ] were oft-mentioned in news media along with other candidates for the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2015/06/christie_announcement_means_little_for_fulops_gove.html|title=Christie news means little for Fulop's 2017 ambitions, experts say|publisher=|accessdate=September 29, 2016}}</ref><ref name=shock/><ref name=observer8>{{cite web|url=http://observer.com/2016/08/into-the-bowels-of-2017-the-unfolding-dem-party-gov-race-back-drama/|title=Into the Bowels of 2017: The Unfolding NJ Dem Party Gov. Race Backs Drama|date=August 19, 2016|publisher=|accessdate=September 29, 2016}}</ref> Fulop and Sweeney were particular geographic rivals, and in terms of state party organizational support, Max Pizarro of the ''New York Observer'' characterized Murphy as "everyone’s number two choice. If Fulop or Sweeney stumbles, Murphy could rocket from zero to 100 overnight."<ref name=observer8/>


Murphy faced Guadagno, the Republican nominee, in the November general election.<ref name=mountie/> In that campaign Guadagno ran as a moderate, attempting to avoid association with both Christie, who held a record-low approval rating for a governor, and ].<ref name=moderate>{{cite news |url=https://mobile.nytimes.com/2017/06/25/nyregion/rare-gop-species-runs-for-new-jersey-governor-a-moderate.html |title=Rare G.O.P. Species Runs for New Jersey Governor: A Moderate |newspaper=The New York Times |date=June 25, 2017 |access-date=June 26, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170626153150/https://mobile.nytimes.com/2017/06/25/nyregion/rare-gop-species-runs-for-new-jersey-governor-a-moderate.html |archive-date=June 26, 2017 |last1=Corasaniti |first1=Nick }}</ref> Instead she sought to focus on Murphy's Goldman Sachs background.<ref name=moderate/>
On September 28, 2016, Fulop announced he would in fact not run for governor and said he was endorsing Murphy.<ref name=shock>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/09/fulop_wont_run_for_nj_governor_shifting_2017_race_to_succeed_christie.html|title=Fulop won't run for N.J. governor, a 'game-changer' for 2017 race to succeed Christie|publisher=|accessdate=September 29, 2016}}</ref> On October 6, 2016, Sweeney announced he too would not run for governor, citing apparent party support for Murphy, whom he endorsed.<ref name="nj10">{{cite web|title=Sweeney says he won't run for Governor|url=http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/10/sweeney_says_he_wont_run_for_nj_governor.html|website=nj.com|accessdate=7 October 2016}}</ref> The move came as Murphy was corralling dozens of endorsements, including all of those from North Jersey county party committees and the most populous Central Jersey county committees as well.<ref name="cp10">{{cite web|url=http://www.courierpostonline.com/story/news/local/south-jersey/2016/10/06/murphy-racks-endorsements-sweeney-exits-race-governor/91705850/|title=Murphy racks up endorsements; Sweeney exits race for governor|publisher=|accessdate=August 19, 2017}}</ref>


On July 26, Murphy announced Assemblywoman and Speaker Emerita ] as his running mate.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/phil-murphy-and-sheila-oliver-two-faces-of-the-democratic-party/ar-AAoPNr2 |title=Phil Murphy and Sheila Oliver, Two Faces of the Democratic Party |website=] |access-date=July 26, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810171225/https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/phil-murphy-and-sheila-oliver-two-faces-of-the-democratic-party/ar-AAoPNr2 |archive-date=August 10, 2017 }}</ref>
As a result of these withdrawals Murphy became the clear front-runner for the nomination,<ref name="nj10" /> but Wisniewski and Lesniak, the two most known remaining potential candidates, both said they still intended to run.<ref name="app10">"Sweeney drops his bid for governor as Murphy rides high", ''Asbury Park Press'', October 7, 2016, pp. 1A, 2A.</ref>


Murphy won the general election with approximately 56% of the vote, an overall percentage similar to the previous winning non-incumbent Democrat, ], for said office (]; 56.4%), almost completely wiping out the unusually large gains made by his predecessor, Chris Christie, in 2013 (60.3% of the vote - only the normally Democratic counties of Essex and Hudson voted for Christie's opponent, ]; by contrast, Murphy won normally Democratic municipalities by margins more similar to Jon Corzine's in ], and pull roughly 50/50 Somerset County into the Democratic column for the first time since 1989.
After the stunning result of the ], Murphy noted that the fortunes of the state Democratic Party had improved in the election and said "As with so many, I am disappointed by the results from Tuesday. But I refuse to be discouraged. And I won't be dissuaded from working to make New Jersey a fairer, more just place for all of us."<ref>Emailcast from Phil Murphy, "I Refuse to be Discouraged", November 10, 2016.</ref> However, Murphy subsequently drew criticism from the ] and Republican candidate for governor, ], for going over the top when he seemed to draw a comparison between the Trump campaign and the early years of the ].<ref>http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/02/lt_gov_guadagno_accuses_murphy_of_comparing_trump.html</ref><ref>https://mobile.nytimes.com/2017/02/23/us/democrats-dnc-chairman-trump-keith-ellison-tom-perez.html?referer=https://www.bing.com/news/search?q=phil+murphy+criticized+new+york+times&FORM=HDRSC4&PC=APPL</ref>


Murphy campaigned on the following policy proposals:
On November 15, Wisniewski, who gained visibility as a leader of the ] investigations, announced his run for governor.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/NJ-Governor-Race-Announcement-401323006.html|title=Bridgegate Crusader John Wisniewski to Run For NJ Governor|publisher=|accessdate=August 19, 2017}}</ref> In his message he implicitly criticized Phil Murphy, saying "I'm not a Wall Street executive. I haven't made hundreds of millions of dollars by outsourcing jobs. I've learned the value of public service. ..."<ref>Email, "I'm running for Governor of New Jersey", November 15, 2016.</ref>


*State bank: Murphy's campaign has suggested a ] statewide investment bank as a way of boosting New Jersey's economy.<ref>"Phil Murphy's opening bid: A promising plan on economy", Tom Moran, ''Star-Ledger'', September 2016.</ref> The bank would supply loans to not just businesses but also college students.<ref name=stile/> Moreover, it would have the effect of eliminating Wall Street firms&nbsp;– including his own former one&nbsp;– from participating in state financial activities.<ref name=stile/>
====2017 developments====
*Pensions: regarding the state's still-troubled pension system, Murphy has said that there are no easy answers but that "the state has to stand up for its side of the bargain. Period. If the state doesn't, there is no use having the second-paragraph discussion."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.trentonian.com/government-and-politics/20161017/nj-guv-hopeful-phil-murphy-engages-folks-at-tcnj|title=NJ guv hopeful Phil Murphy engages folks at TCNJ|date=October 17, 2016|access-date=August 19, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819233522/http://www.trentonian.com/government-and-politics/20161017/nj-guv-hopeful-phil-murphy-engages-folks-at-tcnj|archive-date=August 19, 2017}}</ref>
*Marijuana: Murphy favors the ] in New Jersey.<ref name = hyy >{{cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/phil-murphy-goldman-sachs-yue-yuen-investment_us_59332ee5e4b02478cb9c1c18|title=New Jersey Democrat Faces Criticism For Goldman Sachs Investment In Abusive Company|first=Daniel|last=Marans|date=June 4, 2017|via=Huff Post|access-date=May 9, 2024|archive-date=January 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180104214823/https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/phil-murphy-goldman-sachs-yue-yuen-investment_us_59332ee5e4b02478cb9c1c18|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Minimum wage: In terms of employment under the law, Murphy supports the notion of a ].<ref name=hyy /> He also favors guaranteed paid ] in New Jersey.<ref name=stile/>
*Affordable housing/builder's remedy debate: In summer 2017, amid heavy local outcry over overdevelopment of apartment complexes and concerns about wealthy developers exploiting the ] to overbuild small towns, Murphy proposed a solution that would not require more forced building. "With smart investments, we can create thousands of units of much-needed affordable housing without building a single new building," he said.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/03/phil_murphy_has_a_plan_to_make_wall_st_pay_to_clea.html|title=Phil Murphy just unveiled a plan to make Wall St. clean up N.J. home foreclosures|date=March 22, 2017|access-date=August 19, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170820000029/http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/03/phil_murphy_has_a_plan_to_make_wall_st_pay_to_clea.html|archive-date=August 20, 2017}}</ref>
* School desegregation. In 2018, members of Murphy's transition team filed a school desegregation lawsuit, ].


==Governorship==
In January 2017 Murphy received the endorsements of the state's two U.S. senators, ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://observer.com/2017/01/nj-senators-menendez-and-booker-endorse-murphy-for-governor/|title=NJ Senators Menendez and Booker Endorse Murphy for Governor|date=January 9, 2017|publisher=|accessdate=August 19, 2017}}</ref> More importantly, he had the endorsements of each and every one of the state's county party organizations, which number twenty-one.<ref name=stile>Charles Stile, "For gubernatorial hopefuls, a chance to flex new identities," Asbury Park Press, May 30, 2017, page 1.</ref> In statewide races these designations offer favorable ballot position, which some voters pick as a default supportive action, and are often central to success.<ref name=stile/><ref name =tunedout/>
{{Main|Governorship of Phil Murphy}}


=== First term===
By February 2017 Murphy was leading by a solid margin in a ] both for the Democratic nomination and in a putative general election match-up against Republican front runner Guadagno.<ref>http://nj1015.com/who-candidates-to-be-nj-governor-all-but-anonymous-poll-finds/</ref> However another poll was less certain with most voters indicating indecision.<ref>http://www.phillyvoice.com/latest-poll-reveals-uncertainty-race-new-jersey-governor/</ref>
On January 16, 2018, Murphy was sworn in as the 56th governor of New Jersey at the ], succeeding ].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Johnson|first1=Brett|title=Phil Murphy sworn in, replaces Chris Christie as N.J. governor|url=http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2018/01/phil_murphy_sworn_in_as_njs_new_governor.html|access-date=January 17, 2018|publisher=NJ.com|date=January 16, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180116225051/http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2018/01/phil_murphy_sworn_in_as_njs_new_governor.html|archive-date=January 16, 2018}}</ref> In one of his first executive orders, Murphy signed to revive subsidies for ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2018/01/murphy_jumpstarts_a_clean_energy_program_christie.html|title=Phil Murphy jump-starts a windmill energy program Christie shelved|website=NJ.com|date=January 31, 2018|access-date=February 9, 2018|archive-date=February 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203111831/http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2018/01/murphy_jumpstarts_a_clean_energy_program_christie.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The next month, he signed legislation committing New Jersey to the ], an international treaty on ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2018/02/nj_just_joined_a_coalition_to_uphold_climate_accor.html|title=Breaking with Trump, N.J. buys into Paris Climate Accord|date=February 22, 2018|access-date=March 10, 2018|archive-date=February 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180226130251/http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2018/02/nj_just_joined_a_coalition_to_uphold_climate_accor.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Murphy also ensured that the state sued the ] for suspending the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2018/02/new_jersey_sues_epa_waters_of_the_us.html|title=N.J. enlists in fight against Trump to protect clean water|website=NJ.com|date=February 7, 2018|access-date=February 9, 2018|archive-date=February 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180209150228/http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2018/02/new_jersey_sues_epa_waters_of_the_us.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In March, he signed legislation that automatically registers anyone who applies for a driver's license or state ID to vote.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nj.com/politics/2018/04/a_lot_more_people_in_nj_will_be_registered_to_vote.html|title=A lot more people in N.J. will be registered to vote soon. Here's why|first=Matt|last=Arco|date=April 16, 2018|website=NJ.com|access-date=May 2, 2019|archive-date=May 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502124600/https://www.nj.com/politics/2018/04/a_lot_more_people_in_nj_will_be_registered_to_vote.html|url-status=live}}</ref> By June, Murphy had signed legislation to permit ] in the state.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2018/06/sports_betting_to_begin_in_nj_after_phil_murphy_si.html|title=Phil Murphy signs N.J. sports betting law. You can start betting on Thursday.|date=June 11, 2018|access-date=June 26, 2018|archive-date=June 15, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615064752/http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2018/06/sports_betting_to_begin_in_nj_after_phil_murphy_si.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In December, he signed into law new legislation that overhauled the way ] is managed.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nj.com/politics/2018/12/gov-murphy-just-signed-a-law-designed-to-help-fix-troubled-nj-transit-but-hes-not-sure-about-possible-fare-hikes.html|title=Gov. Murphy just signed a law to help fix troubled NJ Transit. But he's not sure about possible fare hikes.|first=Brent|last=Johnson|date=December 20, 2018|website=NJ.com|access-date=May 2, 2019|archive-date=May 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190504095042/https://www.nj.com/politics/2018/12/gov-murphy-just-signed-a-law-designed-to-help-fix-troubled-nj-transit-but-hes-not-sure-about-possible-fare-hikes.html|url-status=live}}</ref>


In April 2019, Murphy signed a law allowing terminally ill patients with less than six months to live to choose to end their lives with a doctor's assistance. A month later, he signed legislation expanding the time period during which alleged sexual assault victims could sue their alleged attackers.<ref>{{Cite web|last=NJ.com|first=Susan K. Livio {{!}} NJ Advance Media for|date=May 14, 2019|title=What you should know about N.J.'s tough new law giving sexual assault victims more time to sue their abusers|url=https://www.nj.com/news/2019/05/what-you-should-know-about-njs-tough-new-law-giving-sexual-assault-victims-more-time-to-sue-their-abusers.html|access-date=July 10, 2020|website=nj|language=en|archive-date=June 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200609214340/https://www.nj.com/news/2019/05/what-you-should-know-about-njs-tough-new-law-giving-sexual-assault-victims-more-time-to-sue-their-abusers.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In June, Murphy signed a law restricting the use of solitary confinement in New Jersey prisons.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nj.com/crime/2019/07/murphy-signs-law-limiting-solitary-confinement-in-nj-prisons.html|title=Murphy signs law limiting solitary confinement in N.J. prisons|first=S. P.|last=Sullivan|date=July 11, 2019|website=nj.com|access-date=May 9, 2024|archive-date=February 6, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206094342/https://www.nj.com/crime/2019/07/murphy-signs-law-limiting-solitary-confinement-in-nj-prisons.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In October, he announced his opposition to the construction of a new power plant in ] in ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nj.com/politics/2019/10/huge-meadowlands-power-plant-project-may-be-dead-as-murphy-says-he-doesnt-want-it.html|title=After months of prodding, Murphy says he doesn't want huge Meadowlands power plant project|first1=Brent|last1=Johnson|first2=Michael Sol|last2=Warren|date=October 10, 2019|website=nj|access-date=May 9, 2024|archive-date=February 8, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208010806/https://www.nj.com/politics/2019/10/huge-meadowlands-power-plant-project-may-be-dead-as-murphy-says-he-doesnt-want-it.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
Two debates with his main Democratic rivals, including former U.S. Treasury official ] in addition to the aforementioned Wiesiewski and Lesniak, were held within a short span of time in May; during the second Murphy found himself under sustained attack from his rivals, but he defended himself by staking out very progressive positions.<ref name =span>{{cite web|url=http://observer.com/2017/05/winners-and-losers-the-week-of-the-primary-debate-deluge/|title=Winners and Losers: The Week of the Primary Debate Deluge|date=May 12, 2017|publisher=|accessdate=August 19, 2017}}</ref> '']'' wrote that "Underdogs Jim Johnson, Ray Lesniak and John Wisniewski savaged the front-runner, Phil Murphy, accusing him during the 90-minute televised contest of buying off party bosses and being disingenuous on environmental issues."<ref name =savaged>{{cite web|url=http://www.politico.com/states/new-jersey/story/2017/05/11/three-against-one-democratic-rivals-pile-on-murphy-112015|title=Three against one: Democratic rivals pile on Murphy during second debate|publisher=|accessdate=August 19, 2017}}</ref> Subsequent campaigning by those three continued to emphasize the notion that Murphy was "buying" the election.<ref name=winners/>
] ] in April 2020]]
Nonetheless, polls continued to show Murphy with a sizable lead over all rivals.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://stockton.edu/news/2017/poll-gubernatorial-race-may-2017.html|title=Stockton Poll: Murphy, Guadagno Lead in Primary Races for New Jersey Governor - News - Stockton University|website=stockton.edu|accessdate=August 19, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.burlingtoncountytimes.com/news/local/election/poll-kim-guadagno-phil-murphy-still-leading-in-primaries/article_f034792a-4171-11e7-b13c-6bb3f7cff5ce.html|title=Poll: Kim Guadagno, Phil Murphy still leading in primaries|first=David Levinsky, staff|last=writer|publisher=|accessdate=August 19, 2017}}</ref>
] in September 2021]]


In 2020, Murphy's governorship was dominated by the ]. The first case in the state was reported on March 5, and Murphy declared a ] on March 9. He signed multiple executive orders in late March that ordered a lockdown of the entire state.<ref>{{Cite web|last=NJ.com|first=Brent Johnson {{!}} NJ Advance Media for|date=March 21, 2020|title=Murphy orders N.J. residents to stay home, closes non-essential retail businesses in state lockdown to fight coronavirus|url=https://www.nj.com/coronavirus/2020/03/murphy-orders-nj-residents-to-stay-home-closes-non-essential-businesses-in-state-lockdown-to-fight-coronavirus.html|access-date=July 10, 2020|website=nj|language=en|archive-date=July 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200711142841/https://www.nj.com/coronavirus/2020/03/murphy-orders-nj-residents-to-stay-home-closes-non-essential-businesses-in-state-lockdown-to-fight-coronavirus.html|url-status=live}}</ref> By April, most schools and businesses had shut down, with students ]. By summer, Murphy had reopened most restaurants but ].<ref>{{Cite web|last=NJ.com|first=Matt Arco {{!}} NJ Advance Media for|date=June 29, 2020|title=N.J. restaurants NOT reopening for indoor dining this week after 'knucklehead' crowds at bars ruin it for everyone|url=https://www.nj.com/coronavirus/2020/06/nj-restaurants-not-reopening-for-indoor-dining-this-week-after-knucklehead-crowds-at-bars-ruin-it-for-everyone.html|access-date=July 10, 2020|website=nj|language=en|archive-date=July 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710065001/https://www.nj.com/coronavirus/2020/06/nj-restaurants-not-reopening-for-indoor-dining-this-week-after-knucklehead-crowds-at-bars-ruin-it-for-everyone.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=NJ.com|first=Brent Johnson {{!}} NJ Advance Media for|date=July 8, 2020|title=Here are the exceptions to Murphy's new outdoor mask rule in N.J.|url=https://www.nj.com/coronavirus/2020/07/here-are-the-exceptions-to-murphys-new-outdoor-mask-rule-in-nj.html|access-date=July 10, 2020|website=nj|language=en|archive-date=July 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200709090116/https://www.nj.com/coronavirus/2020/07/here-are-the-exceptions-to-murphys-new-outdoor-mask-rule-in-nj.html|url-status=live}}</ref> By July, COVID-related deaths in the state neared 16,000 and over 100,000 residents had tested positive.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nj.com/coronavirus/2020/07/nj-coronavirus-deaths-rise-to-15765-with-178345-cases-as-transmission-rate-remains-steady.html |title=N.J. coronavirus deaths rise to 15,765 with 178,345 cases as transmission rate remains steady |website=] |last=Arco |first=Matt |date=July 24, 2020 |access-date=February 7, 2023 |archive-date=February 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208010805/https://www.nj.com/coronavirus/2020/07/nj-coronavirus-deaths-rise-to-15765-with-178345-cases-as-transmission-rate-remains-steady.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
With $19 million raised, of which $15 million was his own money, Murphy continued to spend the most of all the candidates; indeed his spending was more than twice that of all the other Democratic and Republican candidates for governor put together.<ref name=savaged/> He also donated $1.5 million to the various county Party organizations as well as to some local candidates running for office.<ref name=stile/> Murphy captured the endorsement of the first major national figure to inject themselves into the race, former Vice President ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/05/joe_biden_to_campaign_for_phil_murphy_in_nj_govern.html|title=Joe Biden to visit N.J. to campaign for Phil Murphy|publisher=|accessdate=August 19, 2017}}</ref> Additionally he was endorsed by Democratic environmental force and former Vice President ], which helped solidify Murphy's environmentalist credentials following some attacks on his role as a financier in investing in ] operations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://observer.com/2017/05/al-gore-endorses-murphy-for-nj-governor/|title=Al Gore Endorses Murphy for NJ Governor|date=May 17, 2017|publisher=|accessdate=August 19, 2017}}</ref> He also had the fundraising support of wealthy entertainment figures ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailyrecord.com/story/news/2017/05/31/bon-jovi-whoopi-back-phil-murphy-morristown/358372001/|title=Bon Jovi, Whoopi back Phil Murphy in Morristown|publisher=|accessdate=August 19, 2017}}</ref> Most, though not all, of the key labor unions in the state, also supported Murphy.<ref name=stile/> Nevertheless, there was still a sense of apathy about the election on the part of the state's voters; as the ''New York Times'' stated shortly before the primary vote, "a majority of voters still say they 'don't know' who to vote for and are not doing much to find out."<ref name = tunedout >Nick Corasaniti, "New Jersey's Primary Nears With Many Voters Tuned Out," New York Times, June 5, 2017, p. A17.</ref>


In the ], Murphy initially endorsed New Jersey senator ] for the Democratic nomination.<ref name="endorse">{{cite web |url=https://www.nj.com/politics/2020/01/murphy-holding-off-on-endorsing-another-presidential-candidate-after-booker-dropped-out.html |title=Murphy holding off on endorsing another presidential candidate after Booker dropped out |website=] |last=Johnson |first=Brent |date=January 17, 2020 |access-date=February 7, 2023 |archive-date=February 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208010809/https://www.nj.com/politics/2020/01/murphy-holding-off-on-endorsing-another-presidential-candidate-after-booker-dropped-out.html |url-status=live }}</ref> After Booker dropped out of the race in January 2020, Murphy announced he did not intend to endorse any of the candidates still in the race.<ref name="endorse"/> After former vice president ] won the nomination, Murphy endorsed Biden.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nj.com/coronavirus/2020/05/murphy-finally-endorses-biden-for-president-then-they-talk-about-the-coronavirus-crisis.html |title=Murphy finally endorses Biden for president. Then they talk about the coronavirus crisis. |website=] |last=Salant |first=Jonathan |date=May 15, 2020 |access-date=February 7, 2023 |archive-date=February 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208010811/https://www.nj.com/coronavirus/2020/05/murphy-finally-endorses-biden-for-president-then-they-talk-about-the-coronavirus-crisis.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
In the June 6 Democratic primary, Murphy won a decisive victory in getting 48 percent of the vote, with Johnson and Wisneaski finishing second and third with 22 percent apiece, Lesniak with 5 percent, and scattered others less.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/06/murphy_wins_democratic_nod_to_succeed_christie_as.html|title=Phil Murphy wins Democratic nod in fight to succeed Christie as N.J. governor|publisher=|accessdate=August 19, 2017}}</ref><ref name =mountie>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/elections/results/new-jersey-primary-elections|title=New Jersey Primary Results: Murphy Will Face Guadagno in Governor’s Race|access-date=2017-06-07}}</ref> Murphy faced Guadagno, the Republican victor, in the November general election.<ref name=mountie/>


In February 2021, Murphy signed multiple bills that liberalized the state's cannabis laws. The bills created a regulated cannabis industry in the state, permitted residents to carry up to six ounces of cannabis, and expunged 250,000 low-level cannabis arrests.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Sam |title=N.J. Gov. Murphy signs bills to legalize adult-use cannabis in the Garden State |url=https://www.inquirer.com/business/weed/new-jersey-marijuana-cannabis-legalization-industry-gov-murphy-signs-bills-20210222.html |access-date=May 5, 2023 |website=www.inquirer.com |date=February 22, 2021 |language=en |archive-date=May 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230505022642/https://www.inquirer.com/business/weed/new-jersey-marijuana-cannabis-legalization-industry-gov-murphy-signs-bills-20210222.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Under the new laws, the scent of alcohol or cannabis can no longer be used to justify a search by law enforcement.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sutton |first=Sam |title=New Jersey legalizes cannabis after years of failed efforts and toxic negotiations |url=https://www.politico.com/states/states/new-jersey/story/2021/02/22/new-jersey-legalizes-cannabis-after-years-of-failed-efforts-and-toxic-negotiations-1364873 |access-date=May 5, 2023 |website=POLITICO |language=en}}</ref> In June, Murphy signed an executive order ending the COVID public health emergency while retaining some executive privileges and restrictions.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.nj.com/coronavirus/2021/06/gov-murphy-officially-ends-njs-covid-health-emergency-here-are-the-powers-he-loses-and-keeps.html|title = Gov. Murphy ends N.J.'s COVID health emergency. Here are the powers he loses and keeps|date = June 4, 2021|access-date = May 9, 2024|archive-date = November 28, 2023|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231128043111/https://www.nj.com/coronavirus/2021/06/gov-murphy-officially-ends-njs-covid-health-emergency-here-are-the-powers-he-loses-and-keeps.html|url-status = live}}</ref> After his reelection ], Murphy said he intended to have every child in school by winter.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nj.com/education/2021/12/murphy-says-nj-will-do-everything-we-can-to-keep-schools-in-person-as-covid-cases-surge.html |title=Murphy says N.J. will do 'everything we can' to keep schools in person as COVID cases surge |website=] |last=Johnson |first=Brent |date=December 21, 2021 |access-date=February 7, 2023 |archive-date=February 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208010807/https://www.nj.com/education/2021/12/murphy-says-nj-will-do-everything-we-can-to-keep-schools-in-person-as-covid-cases-surge.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
As that general campaign was underwent, Guadagno ran as a Republican moderate, attempting to avoid focus on both Christie, who held a record-low approval rating for a governor, and President Trump.<ref name=moderate>https://mobile.nytimes.com/2017/06/25/nyregion/rare-gop-species-runs-for-new-jersey-governor-a-moderate.html</ref> Instead she sought to focus on Murphy's Goldman Sachs background.<ref name=moderate/>


=== 2021 reelection ===
On July 26, Murphy announced Assemblywoman and Speaker Emerita ] as his running mate choice for ].<ref>https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/phil-murphy-and-sheila-oliver-two-faces-of-the-democratic-party/ar-AAoPNr2</ref>
{{Main|2021 New Jersey gubernatorial election}}
] on October 12, 2021.]]


On October 1, 2020, Murphy announced he would seek reelection, with Oliver as his running mate. He ran unopposed in the 2021 Democratic primary after two challengers were disqualified.<ref name="Murphy">{{cite web |first=David |last=Wildstein |url=https://newjerseyglobe.com/governor/murphy-formally-launches-bid-for-2nd-term-as-governor-will-run-with-oliver/ |title=Murphy formally launches bid for 2nd term as governor, will run with Oliver |website=] |publisher=Sea of Reeds Media |date=October 1, 2020 |access-date=November 9, 2020 |archive-date=November 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103195646/https://newjerseyglobe.com/governor/murphy-formally-launches-bid-for-2nd-term-as-governor-will-run-with-oliver/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He defeated Republican nominee ] in the general election, albeit by much closer margin than in 2017, with his campaign harmed by the long duration of some of his COVID-19 executive orders.<ref name="Ciattarelli">{{cite web|last=Martinka|first=Ryan|date=November 3, 2021|title=First GOP challenger announces run to unseat NJ Gov. Phil Murphy|url=https://www.politico.com/election-results/2021/new-jersey/governor/|access-date=November 3, 2021|website=]|archive-date=May 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220506120002/https://www.politico.com/election-results/2021/new-jersey/governor/|url-status=live}}</ref> Murphy became New Jersey's first Democratic governor since ], to be reelected.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Steele|first=Allison|title=New Jersey hasn't reelected a Democratic governor in 44 years. Gov. Phil Murphy says he'll break the curse.|url=https://www.inquirer.com/news/new-jersey-governor-election-phil-murphy-obama-trump-progressive-biden-20211028.html|date=October 28, 2021|access-date=November 3, 2021|website=]|language=en|archive-date=May 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509232951/https://www.inquirer.com/news/new-jersey-governor-election-phil-murphy-obama-trump-progressive-biden-20211028.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
==== Policy proposals ====


=== Second term ===
*State bank: Murphy's campaign has suggested a ] statewide investment bank as a way of boosting New Jersey's economy.<ref>"Phil Murphy's opening bid: A promising plan on economy", Tom Moran, ''Star-Ledger'', September 2016.</ref> This bank would supply loans to not just New Jersey businesses but also New Jersey college students.<ref name=stile/> Moreover, it would have the effect of eliminating Wall Street firms – including his own former one – from participating in state financial activities.<ref name=stile/>
] alongside security, October 2022]]
*Pensions: Regarding the state's still-troubled pension system, he has said that there are no easy answers but that: "The state has to stand up for its side of the bargain. Period. If the state doesn't, there is no use having the second paragraph discussion."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.trentonian.com/government-and-politics/20161017/nj-guv-hopeful-phil-murphy-engages-folks-at-tcnj|title=NJ guv hopeful Phil Murphy engages folks at TCNJ|publisher=|accessdate=August 19, 2017}}</ref>

*Marijuana: Murphy favors the ] in New Jersey.<ref name = hyy >http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/us_59332ee5e4b02478cb9c1c18</ref> In terms of employment under the law, Murphy supports the notion of a ].<ref name=hyy /> He also favors guaranteed paid ] in New Jersey.<ref name=stile/>
In July 2022, Murphy was elected chair of the ], becoming the first person from New Jersey to hold the office.
*Affordable housing/builder's remedy debate: In summer 2017, amid heavy local outcry over overdevelopment of apartment complexes and concerns over wealthy developers exploiting the ] to overbuild small towns, Murphy proposed a solution that would not require more forced building. "With smart investments, we can create thousands of units of much-needed affordable housing without building a single new building," said Murphy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/03/phil_murphy_has_a_plan_to_make_wall_st_pay_to_clea.html|title=Phil Murphy just unveiled a plan to make Wall St. clean up N.J. home foreclosures|publisher=|accessdate=August 19, 2017}}</ref>

{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="2" style="float:margin:1em 1em 1em 0; border:1px solid #000; font-size:85%;"
In April 2023, Murphy intervened in the ], inviting union representatives and the university administration to his office to negotiate.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=NJ.com |first1=Tina Kelley {{!}} NJ Advance Media for |last2=NJ.com |first2=Matt Arco {{!}} NJ Advance Media for |last3=NJ.com |first3=Brent Johnson {{!}} NJ Advance Media for |date=April 10, 2023 |title=Rutgers strike: Gov. Murphy gets involved in talks, wants to 'lock the door' until there's a settlement |url=https://www.nj.com/education/2023/04/rutgers-strike-gov-murphy-gets-involved-in-talks-wants-to-lock-the-door-until-theres-a-settlement.html |access-date=April 10, 2023 |website=nj |language=en |archive-date=April 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410192329/https://www.nj.com/education/2023/04/rutgers-strike-gov-murphy-gets-involved-in-talks-wants-to-lock-the-door-until-theres-a-settlement.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The strike ended after five days of negotiations led by Murphy.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rutgers University reaches deal with faculty unions to end historic strike |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/rutgers-university-reaches-deal-faculty-unions-end-historic-strike-rcna79874 |access-date=April 16, 2023 |website=NBC News |date=April 15, 2023 |language=en |archive-date=April 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416041926/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/rutgers-university-reaches-deal-faculty-unions-end-historic-strike-rcna79874 |url-status=live }}</ref> Murphy signed an executive order that would require all state departments and agencies to protect patients and health care professionals against legal repercussions for providing, receiving, assisting in providing or receiving, seeking, and traveling to New Jersey for gender-affirming health care services.<ref>{{cite web |title=N.J. Gov. Murphy prioritizes transgender rights as conservative states enact restrictions |url=https://whyy.org/articles/new-jersey-gov-phil-murphy-prioritizes-transgender-rights/ |access-date=April 5, 2023 |ref=34 |archive-date=April 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406074500/https://whyy.org/articles/new-jersey-gov-phil-murphy-prioritizes-transgender-rights/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
! colspan="3" style="background:#dcdcdc;" |The Murphy Cabinet

|-
On July 21, Murphy filed a lawsuit against the ] and the ] over New York's plan to implement ] in the most congested parts of Manhattan.<ref>{{cite web |title=New Jersey files suit to stop NYC congestion charge |url=https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2023/07/21/new-jersey-files-suit-to-stop-nyc-congestion-charge/ |date=July 21, 2023 |website=] |access-date=July 21, 2023 |archive-date=July 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722004654/https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2023/07/21/new-jersey-files-suit-to-stop-nyc-congestion-charge/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He has argued that the program, which is intended to reduce air pollution and provide funding for public transit, violates the ], which requires a full environmental impact review of projects.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |date=August 7, 2023 |title=In War on Congestion Pricing, Governor Turns to Courts and Trash Talk |language=en |work=] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/07/nyregion/congestion-pricing-phil-murphy-new-jersey.html |access-date=May 9, 2024 |archive-date=January 5, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105000938/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/07/nyregion/congestion-pricing-phil-murphy-new-jersey.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Governor Murphy Announces Lawsuit to Block New York's Proposed Congestion Tolling Program |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/governor-murphy-announces-lawsuit-to-block-new-york-s-proposed-congestion-tolling-program/ar-AA1eaXLO |date=July 21, 2023 |website=] |access-date=July 21, 2023 |archive-date=May 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509233144/https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/governor-murphy-announces-lawsuit-to-block-new-york-s-proposed-congestion-tolling-program/ar-AA1eaXLO |url-status=live }}</ref> Environmentalists criticized Murphy for claiming to be an environmentalist while trying to stop congestion pricing from going into effect in one of the world's most polluted and congested areas.<ref name=":0" />
| style="text-align:left;" |'''OFFICE'''

| align="left" |'''NAME'''
From July 28 until August 13, Murphy went on vacation, during which time ] ] became acting governor. On July 31, Oliver was rushed to the ] for a medical emergency; she died on August 1.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://newjerseyglobe.com/in-memoriam/lt-governor-sheila-oliver-dies-at-71/|title=Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver dies at 71|last=Wildstein|first=David|work=New Jersey Globe|date=August 1, 2023|accessdate=August 1, 2023|archive-date=August 2, 2023|archive-url=https://archive.today/20230802165403/https://newjerseyglobe.com/in-memoriam/lt-governor-sheila-oliver-dies-at-71/|url-status=live}}</ref> ] President ] served as acting governor until Murphy returned.<ref>{{cite web |title=New Jersey's acting governor taken to hospital for undisclosed medical care |url=https://apnews.com/article/lt-gov-sheila-oliver-hospital-new-jersey-35335b9bc6443a363d5ae568c2fb9fdd |website=] |date=July 31, 2023 |access-date=August 1, 2023 |archive-date=May 9, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509233739/https://apnews.com/article/lt-gov-sheila-oliver-hospital-new-jersey-35335b9bc6443a363d5ae568c2fb9fdd |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Vadala |first1=Nick |title=N.J. Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, acting as governor with Murphy out of the country, is hospitalized |url=https://www.inquirer.com/news/new-jersey/sheila-oliver-phil-murphy-lieutenant-governor-hospitalized-new-jersey-20230731.html |website=] |date=August 2023 |access-date=August 1, 2023 |archive-date=August 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230808221734/https://www.inquirer.com/news/new-jersey/sheila-oliver-phil-murphy-lieutenant-governor-hospitalized-new-jersey-20230731.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On September 8, Murphy appointed ] ] as lieutenant governor, filling the vacancy triggered by Oliver's death.<ref>{{cite news|url = https://newjerseyglobe.com/governor/murphy-chooses-tahesha-way-as-lt-governor/|title = Murphy chooses Tahesha Way as Lt. Governor|work = New Jersey Globe|date = September 7, 2023|accessdate = September 7, 2023|last = Wildstein|first = David|archive-date = September 7, 2023|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230907205142/https://newjerseyglobe.com/governor/murphy-chooses-tahesha-way-as-lt-governor/|url-status = live}}</ref>
| align="left" |'''TERM (pending confirmation)'''

|-
After ] ] resigned on August 20, 2024, Murphy appointed ], his chief of staff from 2019 to 2023, to finish Menendez's term. In November, voters ] representative ] to replace Menendez, and Helmy promptly resigned so Kim could fill in the seat.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://newjerseyglobe.com/congress/murphy-announces-george-helmys-appointment-to-u-s-senate/|title=Murphy announces George Helmy's appointment to U.S. Senate|last=Blackburn|first=Zach|work=New Jersey Globe|date=August 16, 2024|accessdate=November 21, 2024}}</ref>
! colspan="3" style="background:#000;" |

|-
In December 2024, Murphy signed a bill prohibiting ] in New Jersey.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cochran |first=Lexi Lonas |date=2024-12-09 |title=New Jersey law bans book banning in schools and libraries |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/education/5030439-nj-governor-phil-murphy-book-bans/ |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=The Hill |language=en-US}}</ref>
| style="text-align:left;" |]

| align="left" |'''Phil Murphy'''
=== Approval ratings ===
| align="left" |2018 –
In April 2018, a poll found that Murphy was approved by a plurality of New Jersey residents, with 44 percent approving and 28 percent disapproving of his performance as governor; another 28 percent said they had no opinion.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://observer.com/2018/04/poll-phil-murphy-job-approval-rating/ |title=Poll: Gov. Phil Murphy Has a 44 Percent Job Approval Rating |website=Observer |last=Hetrick |first=Christian |date=April 11, 2018 |access-date=February 7, 2023 |archive-date=February 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208010806/https://observer.com/2018/04/poll-phil-murphy-job-approval-rating/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In February 2019, a ] survey found that Murphy's approval rating had slipped to 43 percent and his disapproval rating had risen to 40 percent.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.politico.com/states/new-jersey/story/2019/02/12/poll-murphys-approval-flat-as-disapproval-rating-increases-848572 |title=Poll: Murphy's approval flat as disapproval rating increases |website=] |last=Friedman |first=Matt |date=February 12, 2019 |access-date=February 7, 2023 |archive-date=February 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208010804/https://www.politico.com/states/new-jersey/story/2019/02/12/poll-murphys-approval-flat-as-disapproval-rating-increases-848572 |url-status=live }}</ref> For most of 2019, Murphy ranked among the 10 least popular governors in the U.S., according to '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/articles/2019-07-19/the-most-popular-and-least-popular-governors|title=The Most Popular and Least Popular Governors|first=Casey|last=Leins|date=July 19, 2019|website=]|access-date=May 9, 2024|archive-date=July 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722220442/https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/articles/2019-07-19/the-most-popular-and-least-popular-governors|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-

| style="text-align:left;" |]
A September 2019 Monmouth University survey found that 41 percent of New Jersey residents approved of Murphy and 38 percent disapproved. Another survey showed that 31 percent felt that Murphy's policies had hurt the middle class in the state, while only 17 percent said they had benefited.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.politico.com/states/new-jersey/story/2019/09/17/monmouth-poll-murphy-approval-now-at-41-percent-hardly-changed-all-year-1190609 |title=Monmouth poll: Murphy approval, now at 41 percent, hardly changed all year |website=] |last=Hutchins |first=Ryan |date=September 17, 2019 |access-date=February 7, 2023 |archive-date=February 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207062245/https://www.politico.com/states/new-jersey/story/2019/09/17/monmouth-poll-murphy-approval-now-at-41-percent-hardly-changed-all-year-1190609 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| align="left" |]

| align="left" |2018 –
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Murphy's approval rating saw a sizable uptick; a July 2020 ] poll found that Murphy's approval rating had increased to 67 percent,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nj.com/coronavirus/2020/07/gov-phil-murphys-job-approval-rating-remains-near-all-time-highs-during-coronavirus-crisis-poll-says.html |title=Gov. Phil Murphy's job approval rating remains near all-time highs during coronavirus crisis, poll shows |website=] |last=Arco |first=Matt |date=July 16, 2020 |access-date=February 7, 2023 |archive-date=February 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208010809/https://www.nj.com/coronavirus/2020/07/gov-phil-murphys-job-approval-rating-remains-near-all-time-highs-during-coronavirus-crisis-poll-says.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and it remained above 60 percent for the rest of the year.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nj.com/politics/2020/10/gov-murphy-earns-high-marks-from-new-jerseyans-in-another-poll.html |title=Gov. Murphy earns high marks from New Jerseyans in another poll |website=] |last=Johnson |first=Brent |date=October 17, 2020 |access-date=May 15, 2023 |archive-date=May 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515224436/https://www.nj.com/politics/2020/10/gov-murphy-earns-high-marks-from-new-jerseyans-in-another-poll.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nj.com/coronavirus/2020/11/gov-murphys-voter-approval-dips-but-remains-high-going-into-his-re-election-year.html |title=Gov. Murphy's voter approval dips but remains high going into his re-election year |website=] |last=Johnson |first=Brent |date=November 18, 2020 |access-date=May 15, 2023 |archive-date=May 15, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515224435/https://www.nj.com/coronavirus/2020/11/gov-murphys-voter-approval-dips-but-remains-high-going-into-his-re-election-year.html |url-status=live }}</ref> By mid-2023, polling indicated that opinion of Murphy's governorship had become considerably more divided, with Rutgers-Eagleton and Monmouth University surveys finding that his approval ratings had fallen to 47 and 50 percent respectively.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Fazelpoor |first1=Matthew |title=Rutgers-Eagleton poll asks: How's Murphy doing? |url=https://njbiz.com/rutgers-eagleton-poll-asks-hows-murphy-doing/ |website=NJBIZ |date=May 26, 2023 |access-date=May 9, 2024 |archive-date=November 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231116042956/https://njbiz.com/rutgers-eagleton-poll-asks-hows-murphy-doing/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Slight Dip in Murphy Ratings |url=https://www.monmouth.edu/polling-institute/reports/monmouthpoll_nj_081623/#:~:text=Murphy's%20approval%20rating%20is%20stable,12%25%2C%20from%2017%25). |website=Monmouth University Polling Institute |date=August 16, 2023 |access-date=May 9, 2024 |archive-date=December 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205221628/https://www.monmouth.edu/polling-institute/reports/monmouthpoll_nj_081623/#:~:text=Murphy's%20approval%20rating%20is%20stable,12%25%2C%20from%2017%25). |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-

! colspan="3" style="background:#000;" |
==Civic activities==
|-
] and ] are also present.]]
| style="text-align:left;" |]
Murphy has been appointed to the boards or committees of various civic or philanthropic groups,<!-- . --> including the ],<ref name=na/> the ], the ], 180 Turning Lives Around,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.180nj.org/Recognitiondinnerphotos.htm |title=Recognition dinner photos |access-date=January 29, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430210943/http://www.180nj.org/Recognitiondinnerphotos.htm |archive-date=April 30, 2009 }}</ref> and several programs of the ], such as the ] and the Wharton School Graduate Executive and Asian Program.<ref name=allgov/> Other such entities include the ], the ], and Prosperity New Jersey.<ref name =allgov/> He has served as the ] of the ] in ], several times.<ref name=irish/>
| align="left" |]*

| align="left" |2018 –
Murphy has helped lead local charities to support troubled teens and domestic abuse survivors. He and his wife founded 2nd Floor, a teen helpline in New Jersey that had fielded 700,000 calls by 2015 and has helped save lives.<ref name=na>{{Cite web|url=http://www.naacp.org/pages/board-member-philip-d.-murphy|title=Board Member Philip D. Murphy|website=www.naacp.org|access-date=May 17, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160605022722/http://www.naacp.org/pages/board-member-philip-d.-murphy|archive-date=June 5, 2016}}</ref><ref name= irish/>
|-

|Secretary of Agriculture
In 2004–2005 Murphy co-chaired a national task force on 21st-century public education for the ] that featured fellow co-chairs Governor of Arizona ] and academic and civil rights figure ].<ref name=allgov/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://mobile.edweek.org/c.jsp?cid=25919951&bcid=25919951&rssid=25919941&item=http://api.edweek.org/v1/ew/?uuid=5E587C22-2FB7-11DB-BD55-CC2980C3ACA9|title=Education Week|website=mobile.edweek.org|date=April 28, 2004|access-date=August 19, 2017|last1=Richard|first1=Alan}}</ref><ref name=edu/> The Renewing Our Schools, Securing Our Future task force issued a report called "Getting Smarter, Becoming Fairer: A Progressive Education Agenda For A Stronger Nation"<ref name=edu/> that called for a longer school day, a reorganized school year, and extending learning scenarios to the pre-kindergarten and post-high school domains.<ref name="edu">{{Cite news|url=https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/education/news/2005/08/23/1613/national-education-task-force-says-students-must-spend-more-time-in-school/|title=National Education Task Force Says Students Must Spend More Time in School - Center for American Progress|date=August 23, 2005|work=Center for American Progress|access-date=June 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113031147/https://www.americanprogress.org/issues/education/news/2005/08/23/1613/national-education-task-force-says-students-must-spend-more-time-in-school/|archive-date=January 13, 2017|url-status=live|language=en-US}}</ref>
|TBA

|TBD
The Murphy family's time in Germany made them all soccer enthusiasts.<ref name = irish/><ref name=dated/> Murphy has served on the boards of the ]<ref>* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/*/http://www.ussoccerfoundation.org/site/c.gpLPJQOpHkE/b.878217/k.9E65/Philip_Murphy.htm |date=* |title=U.S. Soccer Foundation }}</ref> and the ].<ref name=allgov/> With his wife, he co-owns a stake in the professional New Jersey women's soccer club ];<ref name=na/> he has said that he knows the club is a money-losing venture but that he wants to show his soccer-playing daughter that women's professional soccer can exist in the United States.<ref name="taxes">{{cite web|url=http://www.njtvonline.org/news/video/gubernatorial-candidate-phil-murphy-releases-tax-returns/|title=Gubernatorial Candidate Phil Murphy Releases Tax Returns - Video - NJTV News|access-date=September 29, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002155631/http://www.njtvonline.org/news/video/gubernatorial-candidate-phil-murphy-releases-tax-returns/|archive-date=October 2, 2016}}</ref> The club currently brings in $9.3 million yearly and is worth over $80 million.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Linehan |first=Meg |title=Gotham FC went from 'turbulence' to triumph, showing value of ongoing investment |url=https://theathletic.com/5043463/2023/11/08/gotham-nwsl-investment/ |access-date=April 20, 2024 |website=The Athletic |language=en |archive-date=April 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240420003512/https://theathletic.com/5043463/2023/11/08/gotham-nwsl-investment/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Badenhausen |first=Kurt |date=2024-09-25 |title=NWSL Team Values 2024: Angel City, KC Lead, Average Up 57% to $104M |url=https://www.sportico.com/valuations/teams/2024/nwsl-team-values-angel-city-current-san-diego-1234798552/ |access-date=2024-09-25 |website=Sportico.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|Secretary of Higher Education
|TBA
|TBD
|-
| style="text-align:left;" |]
| align="left" |]*
| align="left" |2018 –
|-
| style="text-align:left;" |]
| align="left" |]*
| align="left" |2018 –
|-
|State Comptroller
|TBA
|TBD
|-
| style="text-align:left;" |Commissioner of Banking and Insurance
| align="left" |]*
| align="left" |2018 –
|-
|Commissioner of Children and Families
|TBA
|TBD
|-
|Commissioner of Community Affairs
|]*
|2018 –
|-
| style="text-align:left;" |Commissioner of Corrections
| align="left" |TBA
| align="left" |TBD
|-
| style="text-align:left;" |Commissioner of Education
| align="left" |TBA
| align="left" |TBD
|-
| style="text-align:left;" |Commissioner of Environmental Protection
| align="left" |]*
| align="left" |2018 –
|-
| style="text-align:left;" |Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development
| align="left" |TBA
| align="left" |TBD
|-
| style="text-align:left;" |Commissioner of Health
| align="left" |TBA
| align="left" |TBD
|-
|Commissioner of Human Services
|TBA
|TBD
|-
|Commissioner of Transportation
|Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti*
|2018 –
|-
| style="text-align:left;" |President of the Board of Public Utilities
| align="left" |TBA
| align="left" |TBD
|-
|Director of Homeland Security
|Jared Maples*
|2018 –
|-
|Adjutant General
|TBA
|TBD
|-
| style="text-align:left;" |Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police
| align="left" |TBA
| align="left" |TBD
|-
|Chair of New Jersey Civil Service Commission
|TBA
|TBD
|-
|Chair of Motor Vehicle Commission
|TBA
|TBD
|-
|Chief Technology Officer
|TBA
|TBD
|-
|Chief Executive Officer of the Economic Development Authority
|TBA
|TBD
|}


==Awards and honors==
====Results====
In 2015, Murphy received an ] from ].<ref>Hamilton: Honorary Degree Recipients: 2015, accessed December 24, 2016.</ref> In 2019, he received an ] from ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://commencement.rutgers.edu/2019-honorary-degree-recipients|title=2019 Honorary Degree Recipients {{!}} University Commencement|website=commencement.rutgers.edu|access-date=June 3, 2019|archive-date=August 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190813175954/https://commencement.rutgers.edu/2019-honorary-degree-recipients|url-status=dead}}</ref>
'''2017 New Jersey Democratic gubernatorial primary'''

* 2022 Knight Commander's Cross of the ]<ref name="Der Bundespräsident 2022">{{cite web | title=Rede: Bundesverdienstorden für Philip Murphy | website=] | date=November 22, 2022 | url=https://www.bundespraesident.de/SharedDocs/Reden/DE/Frank-Walter-Steinmeier/Reden/2022/11/221117-OV-Murphy-NY.html | language=de | access-date=December 1, 2022 | archive-date=December 1, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221201101530/https://www.bundespraesident.de/SharedDocs/Reden/DE/Frank-Walter-Steinmeier/Reden/2022/11/221117-OV-Murphy-NY.html | url-status=live }}</ref>

==Personal life==
Murphy first met his future wife, ], in 1987<ref name=allgov>{{cite web|url=http://www.allgov.com/news?news=841081|title=Ambassador to Germany: Who is Philip Murphy?|access-date=September 29, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003153000/http://www.allgov.com/news?news=841081|archive-date=October 3, 2016}}</ref> when they both worked at Goldman Sachs, but Murphy did not ask her out for another six years.<ref name=irish/> When he finally did, things progressed quickly: they became engaged 18 days later and were married within six months,<ref name=irish/> in 1993.<ref name = allgov/>

Murphy and his wife have four children, three sons and a daughter.<ref name = allgov /> Murphy moved to ], in the late 1990s.<ref name=winners>{{cite web|url=http://www.app.com/story/news/local/elections/2017/06/07/phil-murphy-kim-guadagno-new-jersey-gubernatorial-election-2017/374941001/|title=NJ's next governor: Phil Murphy or Kim Guadagno|access-date=August 19, 2017|archive-date=May 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509233454/https://www.app.com/story/news/local/elections/2017/06/07/phil-murphy-kim-guadagno-new-jersey-gubernatorial-election-2017/374941001/|url-status=live}}</ref> He and his family live in a riverside estate with a six-figure annual property tax bill.<ref name="bloom" /> Murphy also owns homes in Germany and Italy.<ref name="taxes"/> The Murphy children have been educated at ] and ].<ref name = irish/> Tammy Snyder Murphy has held a variety of financial, civic, and political positions as well as having been a ].<ref name=open/><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nsnj.org/Leadership/Tammy-Snyder-Murphy|title=Tammy Snyder Murphy|website=www.nsnj.org|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110115202/http://www.nsnj.org/Leadership/Tammy-Snyder-Murphy|archive-date=November 10, 2017|url-status=live|access-date=November 9, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.andover.edu/About/AdministrationGovernance/Pages/CharterTrusteeTammySnyderMurphy83.aspx|title=Phillips Academy - Charter Trustee: Tammy Snyder Murphy '83|date=May 28, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528134059/https://www.andover.edu/About/AdministrationGovernance/Pages/CharterTrusteeTammySnyderMurphy83.aspx|archive-date=May 28, 2010|url-status=bot: unknown|access-date=November 9, 2017}}</ref>

Murphy and his wife are part owners of ] (formerly Sky Blue FC), a professional women's soccer team. In 2018, media outlets reported that the team was "plagued by poor housing, subpar facilities, and mismanagement."<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230804151413/https://www.nj.com/politics/2018/07/life_on_nj_pro_soccer_club_owned_by_gov_murphy_is_sad_and_bleak_players_allege.html#incart_2box_nj-homepage-featured |date=August 4, 2023 }} NJ.com. Published July 17, 2018.</ref>

On March 4, 2020, Murphy underwent surgery in New York City to remove cancerous tumors in his ]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nj.com/coronavirus/2020/03/how-phil-murphy-went-from-cancer-surgery-to-meeting-the-challenge-of-his-political-life-during-coronavirus-crisis.html|title=How Phil Murphy went from cancer surgery to meeting the challenge of his political life during coronavirus crisis|date=March 31, 2020|publisher=NJ.com|access-date=May 20, 2020|archive-date=May 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200516230043/https://www.nj.com/coronavirus/2020/03/how-phil-murphy-went-from-cancer-surgery-to-meeting-the-challenge-of-his-political-life-during-coronavirus-crisis.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He made a full recovery shortly afterward.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2020/03/04/cancer-doctor-says-new-jersey-gov-phil-murphy-very-fortunate-kidney-tumor-detected-early/|title=Cancer Doctor Says New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy Very Fortunate Kidney Tumor Detected Early|date=March 4, 2020|publisher=]|access-date=May 20, 2020|archive-date=May 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509233740/https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/cancer-doctor-says-new-jersey-gov-phil-murphy-very-fortunate-kidney-tumor-detected-early/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Wealth===
Murphy's position at Goldman Sachs when the firm had its ] brought his net worth above $50 million.<ref name=nwfnj>{{cite web|first=Matt|last=Friedman|url=http://www.politico.com/story/2015/07/murphy-likely-nj-gubernatorial-candidate-gets-a-super-pac-120575|title=Phil Murphy, likely N.J. gubernatorial candidate, gets a super PAC|website=]|date=July 24, 2015|access-date=September 29, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161008030639/http://www.politico.com/story/2015/07/murphy-likely-nj-gubernatorial-candidate-gets-a-super-pac-120575|archive-date=October 8, 2016}}</ref> By one estimate, reported in '']'' in 2009, his wealth after leaving the firm was in the range of several hundred million dollars.<ref name=second/>

In 2016, Murphy released five years' worth of federal tax returns. In 2014, he earned about $6 million, paid about $2 million in taxes for an effective tax rate of 34%, and directly or indirectly donated 24% of his income to charity.<ref name="taxes" /> The returns for the other years showed effective tax rates ranging between 32% and 39%.<ref name=obstacles>{{cite web|first=Alyana|last=Alfaro|url=http://observer.com/2016/05/phil-murphy-releases-tax-returns-from-past-five-years/|title=Phil Murphy Releases Tax Returns from Past Five Years|website=]|date=May 23, 2016|access-date=August 19, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170819233834/http://observer.com/2016/05/phil-murphy-releases-tax-returns-from-past-five-years/|archive-date=August 19, 2017}}</ref> Murphy's charitable donations during these five years averaged about $980,000 a year.<ref name=obstacles/> Due to his wealth and the complicated nature of his holdings, his federal tax filings have been known to exceed 300 pages in length.<ref name="taxes"/>

==Electoral history==
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| title = Democratic primary results<ref name="decisiondeskhq.com">{{cite web|last1=Finnigan|first1=Brandon|title=New Jersey Gubernatorial Primary (Democratic)|url=https://decisiondeskhq.com/results/new-jersey-gubernatorial-primary-democratic/|website=Decision Desk HQ|accessdate=June 7, 2017|date=June 6, 2017}}</ref> | title = Democratic primary results<ref name="decisiondeskhq.com"/>
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{{Election box begin|title=New Jersey gubernatorial election, 2017<ref>{{cite web|title=Official List, Candidates for Governor For GENERAL ELECTION 11/07/2017 Election|url=http://nj.gov/state/elections/2017-results/2017-official-general-election-results-governor.pdf|publisher=]|access-date=November 29, 2017|date=November 29, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201033629/http://nj.gov/state/elections/2017-results/2017-official-general-election-results-governor.pdf|archive-date=December 1, 2017}}</ref>}}
'''2017 New Jersey gubernatorial election'''
{{Election box winning candidate with party link|candidate=Phil Murphy|change=+17.84%|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=1,203,110|percentage=56.03}}
{{Election box begin no change
{{Election box candidate with party link|candidate=]|change=–18.41%|party=Republican Party (United States)|votes=899,583|percentage=41.89}}
| title = 2017 gubernatorial election results
{{Election box candidate|candidate=]|change=''N/A''|party=Reduce Property Taxes|votes=12,294|percentage=0.57}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|candidate=]|change=–0.08%|party=Libertarian Party (United States)|votes=10,531|percentage=0.49}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|candidate=]|change=+0.08%|party=Green Party of the United States|votes=10,053|percentage=0.47}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|candidate=Matthew Riccardi|change=''N/A''|party=Constitution Party (United States)|votes=6,864|percentage=0.32}}
{{Election box candidate|candidate=Vincent Ross|change=''N/A''|party=We The People|votes=4,980|percentage=0.23}}
{{Election box total|change=|votes=2,147,415|percentage=100.00}}
{{Election box gain with party link|
|winner = Democratic Party (United States)
|loser = Republican Party (United States)
|swing = +17.8
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| candidate = Phil Murphy
{{Election box begin | title=New Jersey gubernatorial election, 2021}}
| party = Democratic Party (United States)

| votes = 1,164,516
{{Election box winning candidate with party link
| percentage = 55.6%
| party = Democratic Party (United States)
| candidate = Phil Murphy (incumbent)
| votes = 1,339,471
| percentage = 51.22
| change =-4.81%
}} }}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change {{Election box candidate with party link|party=Republican Party (United States)|candidate=]|votes=1,255,185 |percentage=48.00|change=+6.11%}}
{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Green Party of the United States|candidate=Madelyn R. Hoffman|votes=8,450|percentage=0.32|change=-0.15%}}
| party = Republican Party (United States)
{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Libertarian Party (United States)|candidate=Gregg Mele|votes=7,768|percentage=0.30|change=-0.19%}}
| candidate = ]
{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Socialist Workers Party (United States)|candidate=Joanne Kuniansky|votes=4,012|percentage=0.15|change=''N/A''}}
| votes = 885,379
{{Election box total
| percentage = 42.3%
| votes = 2,614,886
| percentage = 100.00
| change = ''N/A''
}} }}
{{Election box total no change {{Election box hold with party link
| winner = Democratic Party (United States)
| votes = 2,093,945
|swing = -5.78
| percentage = 99
}} }}
{{Election box end}} {{Election box end}}


==References==
==Awards and honors==
{{reflist}}
In 2015, Murphy received an ] from ].<ref>Hamilton: Honorary Degree Recipients: 2015, accessed 24 December 2016.</ref>


==References== ==Further reading==
*Final report of the . December 1, 2005
{{reflist|30em}}


==External links== ==External links==
{{commons category}} {{commons category}}
{{wikisource author}}
] presenting an autographed shirt of the U. S. National Team to Chancellor ] at the 2011 Women's World Cup as ] and ] looks on]]
* official government website
*
* campaign website
*
*{{C-SPAN|1015797}}
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{{CongLinks|votesmart=176221}}
* (in German)
* (archived)
*{{C-SPAN|Philip Murphy}}
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Latest revision as of 23:05, 7 January 2025

Governor of New Jersey since 2018 For other people named Phil Murphy, see Phil Murphy (disambiguation).

Phil Murphy
Murphy in 2023
56th Governor of New Jersey
Incumbent
Assumed office
January 16, 2018
LieutenantSheila Oliver (2018–2023)
Tahesha Way (2023–present)
Preceded byChris Christie
Chair of the National Governors Association
In office
July 15, 2022 – July 14, 2023
Preceded byAsa Hutchinson
Succeeded bySpencer Cox
United States Ambassador to Germany
In office
September 3, 2009 – August 26, 2013
PresidentBarack Obama
Preceded byWilliam R. Timken
Succeeded byJohn B. Emerson
Personal details
BornPhilip Dunton Murphy
(1957-08-16) August 16, 1957 (age 67)
Needham, Massachusetts, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse Tammy Snyder ​(m. 1993)
Children4
ResidenceDrumthwacket
Education
Phil Murphy's voice Phil Murphy and Congressman Bill Pascrell on NJ Transit
Recorded June 4, 2018

Philip Dunton Murphy (born August 16, 1957) is an American politician, diplomat, and financier serving as the 56th governor of New Jersey. A member of the Democratic Party, he was elected governor in 2017 and narrowly reelected in 2021. From 2009 to 2013, Murphy served as the U.S. ambassador to Germany under President Barack Obama.

Murphy had a 23-year career at Goldman Sachs, where he held several high-level positions and accumulated considerable wealth before retiring in 2006. He is involved in many civic organizations and philanthropic pursuits. He served as finance chairman for the Democratic National Committee in the mid-late 2000s under Howard Dean. During his ambassadorial tenure, Murphy dealt with international fallout from the United States diplomatic cables leak.

While planning to run for governor of New Jersey, Murphy and his wife Tammy Murphy launched New Start New Jersey, a progressive organization. He defeated Republican, then-Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno, in the 2017 gubernatorial election with 56% of the vote. In December 2019, Murphy became the chair of the Democratic Governors Association, a position he held for a year. He was reelected in an unexpectedly close race in 2021, defeating Republican nominee Jack Ciattarelli with 51.2% of the vote. Murphy is the first Democratic governor of New Jersey to win a second term since Brendan Byrne did so in 1977. In July 2022, Murphy became the first National Governors Association chair from New Jersey.

Early life and education

Murphy's high school yearbook photo, 1975

Murphy was born in Needham, Massachusetts, and was raised in both Needham and nearby Newton, the son of Dorothy Louise (Dunton) and Walter F. Murphy.

The family was Irish American, with Phil being third generation. According to Murphy, his household was "middle class on a good day;" by his recollection, his mother, a secretary, and father, a high-school dropout who took any job he could (including liquor store manager and for-pay pallbearer), lived paycheck to paycheck.

Both of his parents were enthusiastic supporters of John F. Kennedy and volunteered for his campaign in the 1952 United States Senate election in Massachusetts. Murphy played soccer as a boy, an interest that stayed with him in later life. His mother believed strongly in the importance of education, and Phil and his three older siblings all earned college degrees.

Murphy graduated from Needham High School, along with future Massachusetts governor Charlie Baker, in 1975. He graduated from Harvard University in 1979 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics. At Harvard he aspired to become a professional musical theater performer and was elected president of the Hasty Pudding Theatricals, a theatrical student society. He then attended the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, where he received a MBA in 1983.

Finance career at Goldman Sachs (1982–2003)

Murphy began his career in finance with a summer associate internship at Goldman Sachs in 1982. He was hired after graduating in 1983. He rose in the ranks quickly, later attributing that success to his ability to make deals: "Two people may not like each other and can't work together. Their mutual dislike is their problem. I don't let it become mine. I'll be the man in the middle and the three of us can work out something everybody is happy with."

From 1993 to 1997, Murphy headed the firm's Frankfurt office. His business responsibilities were later expanded to encompass Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, as well as in the emerging post-Warsaw Pact economies of Central Europe. In this role he engaged in a number of transactions with the German government's Treuhandanstalt agency, whose purpose was to conduct the privatization of formerly state-owned enterprises within the boundaries of no-longer-extant East Germany. Murphy was also active in the Atlantik-Brücke organization, including co-founding its International Advisor Council.

From 1997 to 1999, Murphy served as the President of Goldman Sachs (Asia). In that capacity, he was officed in Hong Kong. During this time Goldman Sachs profited from its investment in Yue Yuen Industrial Holdings, a shoe manufacturer that became notorious for its harsh labor practices. The $55 million investment was made the year before Murphy took the Asia post and it is unclear to what extent Murphy was aware of the firm's operational characteristics. In 1998 Murphy told the Wall Street Journal that "We are elite in the sense the Marine Corps is elite".

In 1999, Murphy secured a spot on the firm's management committee. There his colleagues included Hank Paulson and Gary Cohn, both of whom later served at highest levels of the federal government. This coincided with the repeal of Glass–Steagall; the repeal allowed Murphy and his colleagues to make much greater use of leverage and profoundly changed how the company generated profits.

In 2001, Murphy became global co-head of the firm's Investment Management Division. This unit oversaw the investments of foundations, pensions, hedge funds, and wealthy personages, and by 2003 had amassed $373 billion in holdings. Hedge funds, in particular, received large lines of credit from Murphy's unit. Another company initiative that Murphy helped to undertake was the unit that did major business in the emerging markets within the EMEA region.

In 2003, Murphy's day-to-day responsibilities at the firm ended, and he became a Senior Director of the firm. He retired in 2006. Murphy spent 23 years at Goldman Sachs in all.

Early government and political career

Chair of the New Jersey Benefits Task Force

In May 2005, Governor Richard Codey named Murphy to chair the New Jersey Benefits Task Force on public sector employee benefits in response to the New Jersey pension crisis, a particularly long-running instance of the state-level pensions crises taking place nationwide.

The task force reported its findings in December 2005. By this time Murphy was already considered to be retired from Goldman Sachs. The report decried past state practices, saying that "gimmicks" had been constructed instead of genuine solutions.

As chair, Murphy recommended the sale of publicly owned assets. For the most part that did not happen, but some of his other suggestions, such as raising the age of retirement and recalculating how pensions related to salary earned, were taken. Labor unions opposed the recommendations, with leader Carla Katz saying, "We will fight vigorously and loudly against any cuts to our pensions or health benefits proposed by the task force." The New York Times wrote that "no matter what happens, the report's legacy may well be that it tried to tackle the issues head-on."

Finance chair of the Democratic Party

Murphy at the 2007 Democratic National Committee fall meeting

After leaving Goldman Sachs, Murphy served from 2006 to 2009 as the National Finance Chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), where he worked with DNC Chair Howard Dean. Murphy liked both Dean's vision for the party and the discipline Dean brought to the task, and the two became close friends.

It was Murphy who financed Dean's "50-state strategy". Powerful Democrats in Congress such as Charles Schumer and Rahm Emanuel opposed the strategy, but Murphy refused to visibly engage in this dispute, saying, "I'm a sucker for the view that you have it out in the locker room, not in public." Former Goldman Sachs colleague and U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Robert Rubin said of Murphy's ability to handle the new position, "He has very substantial technical expertise from his corporate finance work, but he combines that with a wonderful facility for dealing with people." Dean later said that Murphy well learned the lesson not all such figures of commerce understand: that while in business you can command people to do things, in politics things are never so simple.

During his first year, Murphy focused on gaining donations from his contacts from his university years and Goldman Sachs; within that year he was able to substantially reduce the DNC's gap with the Republican National Committee. In all, Murphy says he raised $300 million for the DNC.

Murphy was also a big donor to Democratic candidates, giving them almost $1.5 million by 2009. This included modest contributions to individual candidates and several six-figure sums to party committees. During the hotly contested 2008 Democratic presidential primaries he was a superdelegate but remained uncommitted for most of the contest.

Ambassadorship

Murphy's official ambassadorial portrait
Ambassador Murphy receiving gifts in Köln in mid-2013 near the end of his tenure. Also visible are Peter Jungen (right) and Mayor Jürgen Roters
Ambassador Murphy and Sunil Gulati presenting an autographed shirt of the U. S. National Team to Chancellor Angela Merkel at the 2011 Women's World Cup as Jill Biden and Chelsea Clinton looks on

Murphy served as United States Ambassador to Germany under President Barack Obama from 2009 to 2013. The possibility of his being named to the post was first reported by Spiegel Online International in May 2009. The former U.S. Ambassador John Kornblum supported the choice, saying, "Murphy has been involved in German-American relations for many years. He's a good choice." An agrément was issued, and Obama formally nominated him to the position on July 9. Murphy was confirmed by the United States Senate on August 7, and appeared with his family in Berlin on August 21. That they arrived in an expensive Gulfstream V executive jet irked Chancellor Merkel, who saw it as evidence of the long practice of presidents awarding wealthy donors with ambassadorships. Murphy presented his credentials in Berlin to German President Horst Koehler on September 3, which the State Department considers his effective start date. He was sworn into the position on September 13.

During his tenure, Murphy promoted American trade and focused on engaging Germany's youth through town hall meetings, exchange programs, and social media communication. He said, "The legacy of our time together in Germany will be measured by how well we 'set the table' for tomorrow, by how deeply today's youth understand the ongoing relevance of the transatlantic bridge. They are tomorrow's leaders and our investment in their future is our highest priority." In doing so he paid particular attention to children who had immigrated to Germany, who rarely had the opportunity to meet Americans.

The United States diplomatic cables leak contained negative statements Murphy signed about senior German politicians, including a remark by Murphy that Merkel was "insecure" and unfavorable comments by embassy staff about Guido Westerwelle, the German foreign minister. Some German officials expressed desire that Murphy be recalled. In response, Murphy appeared on German television outlets such as ZDF in an attempt at damage control. In Spiegel Online, he said, "I'm a big boy. At the end of the day, the buck stops with me," and that he would not "apologize for one speck" of what his staff had done. On December 5, he apologized for the leak in Welt am Sonntag. Murphy later said that the episode was "incredibly awkward and embarrassing" but that the two countries worked through it, and that in the end Germany-United States relations were stronger than ever.

Ambassador Murphy greeting Secretary of State John Kerry upon arrival in Berlin early in 2013

Regarding the European debt crisis, Murphy said in 2013, "The big debate in Europe, which I think is a false debate, is either fiscal consolidation or growth. And the reality is that Europe needs both: it needs fiscal consolidation and growth." Regarding economic differences between the nations, he said, "Germany believes strongly that the first order of business is to cut your debts and deficits and from that, good things will come. We're more likely to say a little bit of stimulus will jump-start things, even if it means incurring more debt. But you work your way through those issues."

On May 29, 2013, it was announced that Murphy was stepping down from the post. He was still ambassador as of July 3; he returned to the United States at some point during July and formally stayed in the role until his mission terminated on August 26.

Post-ambassadorship

Murphy was mentioned as a potential candidate in the 2013 New Jersey gubernatorial election, but did not run. Instead, upon returning to the U.S. after his ambassadorship, he rejoined Murphy Endeavors LLC (a business management consultancy firm with offices in Red Bank, New Jersey, at which he was the principal). He started the firm in 2009 after leaving the DNC position, but it was soon put on hold due to his ambassadorial nomination. He also gave speeches about his experiences in Germany, especially in connection with the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.

In 2014, Murphy created New Start New Jersey, a nonprofit progressive policy think tank that held a number of events around New Jersey. His wife was co-founder, chair, and secretary. The organization said it would neither endorse nor fund political candidates, as it was barred from doing so, but it raised Murphy's political visibility. Its events included an appearance by singer Jon Bon Jovi. One of its goals was to help displaced workers back into the work force. (Making reference to visibility, in 2016 hacked Podesta emails revealed that Murphy was already seriously considering running for governor when the organization was founded, telling Podesta that his ambitions were "very serious but not yet committed" and that the new entity would improve his name recognition.)

After Murphy announced his candidacy for governor, New Start New Jersey continued, albeit without Murphy on its board.

In September 2015, Murphy launched the progressive organization New Way for New Jersey, which held a number of town halls, including some by telephone on Sunday evenings, and encouraged Democrats to sign petitions critical of incumbent Governor Chris Christie. Unlike New Start New Jersey, New Way for New Jersey was an explicitly political organization.

On March 2, 2016, New Way for New Jersey launched a petition that criticized Christie for neglecting his duties as governor due to his travel and support of Donald Trump's presidential campaign. The group implored Christie to "do your job or quit".

After Murphy announced his candidacy for governor, New Way for New Jersey folded.

2017 gubernatorial campaign

Main article: 2017 New Jersey gubernatorial election
Campaign logo

In May 2016 Murphy announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination in the 2017 New Jersey gubernatorial election. He became the race's first announced candidate. He said of his rationale, "I am running for governor because New Jersey desperately needs adult leadership that puts our people first."

Announcing so early was unusual. Comparisons with unpopular former governor Jon Corzine, another wealthy former Goldman Sachs executive, were a challenge Murphy had to meet. Murphy also began the campaign with little name recognition. He initially planned to lend $10 million to the campaign but to also aggressively fund-raise. He said he would accept no so-called dark money and that "I'm holding our campaign to a higher standard."

Murphy holding a campaign event

Murphy was the first declared Democratic candidate for governor, although several other candidates were expected to run. Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, Assemblyman John Wisniewski of Sayreville, State Senator Raymond Lesniak, and State Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney of Gloucester County were often mentioned in news media along with other candidates. Fulop and Sweeney were geographic rivals, and in terms of state party organizational support, Max Pizarro of the New York Observer characterized Murphy as "everyone's number two choice. If Fulop or Sweeney stumbles, Murphy could rocket from zero to 100 overnight."

On September 28, 2016, Fulop announced he would not run for governor and endorsed Murphy. On October 6, Sweeney announced he too would not run, citing apparent party support for Murphy, whom he endorsed. The move came as Murphy was corralling dozens of endorsements, including all of those from North Jersey county party committees and the most populous Central Jersey county committees.

As a result of these withdrawals Murphy became the clear front-runner for the nomination, but Wisniewski and Lesniak, the two best-known remaining potential candidates, both said they still intended to run.

After the unexpected result of the 2016 United States presidential election, Murphy noted that the fortunes of the state Democratic Party had improved in the election, saying, "As with so many, I am disappointed by the results from Tuesday. But I refuse to be discouraged. And I won't be dissuaded from working to make New Jersey a fairer, more just place for all of us." Murphy subsequently drew criticism from the New Jersey Lieutenant Governor and Republican candidate for governor, Kim Guadagno, for seeming to draw a comparison between the Trump campaign and the early years of the Nazi rise to power in Germany.

On November 15, Wisniewski, who gained visibility as a leader of the Fort Lee lane closure scandal investigations, announced his run for governor. In his message he implicitly criticized Murphy, saying "I'm not a Wall Street executive. I haven't made hundreds of millions of dollars by outsourcing jobs. I've learned the value of public service..."

In January 2017 Murphy was endorsed by New Jersey's two U.S. senators, Bob Menendez and Cory Booker. He also had the endorsements of all 21 county party organizations. In statewide races, these designations offer favorable ballot position, which some voters pick by default, and are often central to success.

By February 2017 Murphy was leading by a solid margin in a Quinnipiac Poll both for the Democratic nomination and in a putative general election matchup against Guadagno. Another poll was less certain, showing most voters undecided.

Two debates with his main Democratic rivals, including former U.S. Treasury official Jim Johnson along with Wiesiewski and Lesniak, were held within a short span of time in May; during the second Murphy found himself under sustained attack by his rivals, but defended himself by staking out very progressive positions. Politico wrote, "Underdogs Jim Johnson, Ray Lesniak and John Wisniewski savaged the front-runner, Phil Murphy, accusing him during the 90-minute televised contest of buying off party bosses and being disingenuous on environmental issues." Subsequent campaigning by those three continued to emphasize that Murphy was "buying" the election. Nonetheless, polls continued to show Murphy with a sizable lead over all rivals.

With $19 million raised, of which $15 million was his own money, Murphy continued to spend the most of all the candidates; his spending was more than twice that of all the other Democratic and Republican candidates for governor combined. He also donated $1.5 million to the various county party organizations as well as to some candidates for local offices. Murphy captured the endorsement of the first major national figure to inject himself into the race, former Vice President Joe Biden. Additionally, he was endorsed by former Vice President Al Gore, which helped solidify Murphy's environmentalist credentials after some attacks on his role as a financier investing in fracking operations. He also had the fundraising support of wealthy entertainment figures Jon Bon Jovi and Whoopi Goldberg. Most, though not all, of the key labor unions in the state, also supported Murphy. Nevertheless, there was still a sense of apathy about the election on the part of the state's voters; as the New York Times stated shortly before the primary vote, "a majority of voters still say they 'don't know' who to vote for and are not doing much to find out."

Murphy won the June 6 primary decisively, with 48% of the vote. Johnson and Wisniewski finished second and third with 22% apiece, Lesniak got 5%, and scattered others less.

Murphy faced Guadagno, the Republican nominee, in the November general election. In that campaign Guadagno ran as a moderate, attempting to avoid association with both Christie, who held a record-low approval rating for a governor, and Donald Trump. Instead she sought to focus on Murphy's Goldman Sachs background.

On July 26, Murphy announced Assemblywoman and Speaker Emerita Sheila Oliver as his running mate.

Murphy won the general election with approximately 56% of the vote, an overall percentage similar to the previous winning non-incumbent Democrat, Jim McGreevey, for said office (2001; 56.4%), almost completely wiping out the unusually large gains made by his predecessor, Chris Christie, in 2013 (60.3% of the vote - only the normally Democratic counties of Essex and Hudson voted for Christie's opponent, Barbara Buono; by contrast, Murphy won normally Democratic municipalities by margins more similar to Jon Corzine's in 2005, and pull roughly 50/50 Somerset County into the Democratic column for the first time since 1989.

Murphy campaigned on the following policy proposals:

  • State bank: Murphy's campaign has suggested a North Dakota-style statewide investment bank as a way of boosting New Jersey's economy. The bank would supply loans to not just businesses but also college students. Moreover, it would have the effect of eliminating Wall Street firms – including his own former one – from participating in state financial activities.
  • Pensions: regarding the state's still-troubled pension system, Murphy has said that there are no easy answers but that "the state has to stand up for its side of the bargain. Period. If the state doesn't, there is no use having the second-paragraph discussion."
  • Marijuana: Murphy favors the legalization of recreational marijuana in New Jersey.
  • Minimum wage: In terms of employment under the law, Murphy supports the notion of a $15 minimum wage. He also favors guaranteed paid sick leave in New Jersey.
  • Affordable housing/builder's remedy debate: In summer 2017, amid heavy local outcry over overdevelopment of apartment complexes and concerns about wealthy developers exploiting the Mount Laurel doctrine to overbuild small towns, Murphy proposed a solution that would not require more forced building. "With smart investments, we can create thousands of units of much-needed affordable housing without building a single new building," he said.
  • School desegregation. In 2018, members of Murphy's transition team filed a school desegregation lawsuit, Latino Action Network v. New Jersey.

Governorship

Main article: Governorship of Phil Murphy

First term

On January 16, 2018, Murphy was sworn in as the 56th governor of New Jersey at the Trenton War Memorial, succeeding Chris Christie. In one of his first executive orders, Murphy signed to revive subsidies for wind power in the state. The next month, he signed legislation committing New Jersey to the Paris Agreement, an international treaty on climate change. Murphy also ensured that the state sued the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for suspending the Clean Water Rule. In March, he signed legislation that automatically registers anyone who applies for a driver's license or state ID to vote. By June, Murphy had signed legislation to permit sports betting in the state. In December, he signed into law new legislation that overhauled the way NJ Transit is managed.

In April 2019, Murphy signed a law allowing terminally ill patients with less than six months to live to choose to end their lives with a doctor's assistance. A month later, he signed legislation expanding the time period during which alleged sexual assault victims could sue their alleged attackers. In June, Murphy signed a law restricting the use of solitary confinement in New Jersey prisons. In October, he announced his opposition to the construction of a new power plant in New Jersey Meadowlands in North Bergen.

Murphy meets with President Donald Trump in April 2020
Murphy with President Joe Biden in September 2021

In 2020, Murphy's governorship was dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The first case in the state was reported on March 5, and Murphy declared a state of emergency on March 9. He signed multiple executive orders in late March that ordered a lockdown of the entire state. By April, most schools and businesses had shut down, with students required to learn from home. By summer, Murphy had reopened most restaurants but imposed extensive mask mandates. By July, COVID-related deaths in the state neared 16,000 and over 100,000 residents had tested positive.

In the 2020 United States presidential election, Murphy initially endorsed New Jersey senator Cory Booker for the Democratic nomination. After Booker dropped out of the race in January 2020, Murphy announced he did not intend to endorse any of the candidates still in the race. After former vice president Joe Biden won the nomination, Murphy endorsed Biden.

In February 2021, Murphy signed multiple bills that liberalized the state's cannabis laws. The bills created a regulated cannabis industry in the state, permitted residents to carry up to six ounces of cannabis, and expunged 250,000 low-level cannabis arrests. Under the new laws, the scent of alcohol or cannabis can no longer be used to justify a search by law enforcement. In June, Murphy signed an executive order ending the COVID public health emergency while retaining some executive privileges and restrictions. After his reelection in November, Murphy said he intended to have every child in school by winter.

2021 reelection

Main article: 2021 New Jersey gubernatorial election
Murphy speaks to the press following the second gubernatorial debate at Rowan University on October 12, 2021.

On October 1, 2020, Murphy announced he would seek reelection, with Oliver as his running mate. He ran unopposed in the 2021 Democratic primary after two challengers were disqualified. He defeated Republican nominee Jack Ciattarelli in the general election, albeit by much closer margin than in 2017, with his campaign harmed by the long duration of some of his COVID-19 executive orders. Murphy became New Jersey's first Democratic governor since Brendan Byrne, in 1977, to be reelected.

Second term

Murphy walking with Senator Cory Booker alongside security, October 2022

In July 2022, Murphy was elected chair of the National Governors Association, becoming the first person from New Jersey to hold the office.

In April 2023, Murphy intervened in the 2023 Rutgers University strike, inviting union representatives and the university administration to his office to negotiate. The strike ended after five days of negotiations led by Murphy. Murphy signed an executive order that would require all state departments and agencies to protect patients and health care professionals against legal repercussions for providing, receiving, assisting in providing or receiving, seeking, and traveling to New Jersey for gender-affirming health care services.

On July 21, Murphy filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration over New York's plan to implement congestion pricing in the most congested parts of Manhattan. He has argued that the program, which is intended to reduce air pollution and provide funding for public transit, violates the National Environmental Protection Act, which requires a full environmental impact review of projects. Environmentalists criticized Murphy for claiming to be an environmentalist while trying to stop congestion pricing from going into effect in one of the world's most polluted and congested areas.

From July 28 until August 13, Murphy went on vacation, during which time Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver became acting governor. On July 31, Oliver was rushed to the Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center for a medical emergency; she died on August 1. New Jersey Senate President Nicholas Scutari served as acting governor until Murphy returned. On September 8, Murphy appointed secretary of State Tahesha Way as lieutenant governor, filling the vacancy triggered by Oliver's death.

After United States Senator Bob Menendez resigned on August 20, 2024, Murphy appointed George Helmy, his chief of staff from 2019 to 2023, to finish Menendez's term. In November, voters elected representative Andy Kim to replace Menendez, and Helmy promptly resigned so Kim could fill in the seat.

In December 2024, Murphy signed a bill prohibiting book bans in New Jersey.

Approval ratings

In April 2018, a poll found that Murphy was approved by a plurality of New Jersey residents, with 44 percent approving and 28 percent disapproving of his performance as governor; another 28 percent said they had no opinion. In February 2019, a Monmouth University survey found that Murphy's approval rating had slipped to 43 percent and his disapproval rating had risen to 40 percent. For most of 2019, Murphy ranked among the 10 least popular governors in the U.S., according to U.S. News & World Report.

A September 2019 Monmouth University survey found that 41 percent of New Jersey residents approved of Murphy and 38 percent disapproved. Another survey showed that 31 percent felt that Murphy's policies had hurt the middle class in the state, while only 17 percent said they had benefited.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Murphy's approval rating saw a sizable uptick; a July 2020 Fairleigh Dickinson University poll found that Murphy's approval rating had increased to 67 percent, and it remained above 60 percent for the rest of the year. By mid-2023, polling indicated that opinion of Murphy's governorship had become considerably more divided, with Rutgers-Eagleton and Monmouth University surveys finding that his approval ratings had fallen to 47 and 50 percent respectively.

Civic activities

A soccer enthusiast, Ambassador Murphy poses with girls school teams in Lower Saxony in 2011. Former U.S. national team players Briana Scurry and Amanda Cromwell are also present.

Murphy has been appointed to the boards or committees of various civic or philanthropic groups, including the NAACP, the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, the Center for American Progress, 180 Turning Lives Around, and several programs of the University of Pennsylvania, such as the Huntsman Program in International Studies and Business and the Wharton School Graduate Executive and Asian Program. Other such entities include the Goldman Sachs Foundation, the Investment Company Institute, and Prosperity New Jersey. He has served as the grand marshal of the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Rumson, New Jersey, several times.

Murphy has helped lead local charities to support troubled teens and domestic abuse survivors. He and his wife founded 2nd Floor, a teen helpline in New Jersey that had fielded 700,000 calls by 2015 and has helped save lives.

In 2004–2005 Murphy co-chaired a national task force on 21st-century public education for the Center for American Progress that featured fellow co-chairs Governor of Arizona Janet Napolitano and academic and civil rights figure Roger Wilkins. The Renewing Our Schools, Securing Our Future task force issued a report called "Getting Smarter, Becoming Fairer: A Progressive Education Agenda For A Stronger Nation" that called for a longer school day, a reorganized school year, and extending learning scenarios to the pre-kindergarten and post-high school domains.

The Murphy family's time in Germany made them all soccer enthusiasts. Murphy has served on the boards of the U.S. Soccer Foundation and the U.S. Soccer Federation World Cup Bid Committee for 2018 and 2022. With his wife, he co-owns a stake in the professional New Jersey women's soccer club NJ/NY Gotham FC; he has said that he knows the club is a money-losing venture but that he wants to show his soccer-playing daughter that women's professional soccer can exist in the United States. The club currently brings in $9.3 million yearly and is worth over $80 million.

Awards and honors

In 2015, Murphy received an honorary degree from Hamilton College. In 2019, he received an honorary degree from Rutgers University.

Personal life

Murphy first met his future wife, Tammy Snyder, in 1987 when they both worked at Goldman Sachs, but Murphy did not ask her out for another six years. When he finally did, things progressed quickly: they became engaged 18 days later and were married within six months, in 1993.

Murphy and his wife have four children, three sons and a daughter. Murphy moved to Middletown Township, New Jersey, in the late 1990s. He and his family live in a riverside estate with a six-figure annual property tax bill. Murphy also owns homes in Germany and Italy. The Murphy children have been educated at Rumson Country Day School and Phillips Academy. Tammy Snyder Murphy has held a variety of financial, civic, and political positions as well as having been a homemaker.

Murphy and his wife are part owners of NJ/NY Gotham FC (formerly Sky Blue FC), a professional women's soccer team. In 2018, media outlets reported that the team was "plagued by poor housing, subpar facilities, and mismanagement."

On March 4, 2020, Murphy underwent surgery in New York City to remove cancerous tumors in his kidneys. He made a full recovery shortly afterward.

Wealth

Murphy's position at Goldman Sachs when the firm had its IPO brought his net worth above $50 million. By one estimate, reported in Der Spiegel in 2009, his wealth after leaving the firm was in the range of several hundred million dollars.

In 2016, Murphy released five years' worth of federal tax returns. In 2014, he earned about $6 million, paid about $2 million in taxes for an effective tax rate of 34%, and directly or indirectly donated 24% of his income to charity. The returns for the other years showed effective tax rates ranging between 32% and 39%. Murphy's charitable donations during these five years averaged about $980,000 a year. Due to his wealth and the complicated nature of his holdings, his federal tax filings have been known to exceed 300 pages in length.

Electoral history

Democratic primary results
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Phil Murphy 243,643 48.37
Democratic Jim Johnson 110,250 21.89
Democratic John S. Wisniewski 108,532 21.55
Democratic Raymond J. Lesniak 24,318 4.83
Democratic William Brennan 11,263 2.24
Democratic Mark Zinna 5,213 1.03
Democratic Write-In 463 0.09
Total votes 503,682 100
New Jersey gubernatorial election, 2017
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Phil Murphy 1,203,110 56.03 +17.84%
Republican Kim Guadagno 899,583 41.89 –18.41%
Reduce Property Taxes Gina Genovese 12,294 0.57 N/A
Libertarian Peter J. Rohrman 10,531 0.49 –0.08%
Green Seth Kaper-Dale 10,053 0.47 +0.08%
Constitution Matthew Riccardi 6,864 0.32 N/A
We The People Vincent Ross 4,980 0.23 N/A
Total votes 2,147,415 100.00
Democratic gain from Republican Swing +17.8
New Jersey gubernatorial election, 2021
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Phil Murphy (incumbent) 1,339,471 51.22 −4.81%
Republican Jack Ciattarelli 1,255,185 48.00 +6.11%
Green Madelyn R. Hoffman 8,450 0.32 −0.15%
Libertarian Gregg Mele 7,768 0.30 −0.19%
Socialist Workers Joanne Kuniansky 4,012 0.15 N/A
Total votes 2,614,886 100.00 N/A
Democratic hold Swing -5.78

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Diplomatic posts
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