Tammy Murphy, wife of New Jersey governor, drops out of Senate race to succeed Menendez

The wife of New Jersey Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy abruptly suspended on Sunday her campaign for the state’s U.S. Senate seat.

Tammy Murphy was seeking to replace Sen. Robert Menendez, who’s up for reelection this fall but was hit with federal corruption and bribery charges and won’t run in the Democratic primary.

In a video posted to social media, Mrs. Murphy cited concerns about how a bitter primary contest could fracture the party and redirect campaign resources that would be better spent helping other Democrats in the state.

“After many busy, invigorating and, yes, challenging months, I am suspending my Senate campaign today,” she said. “I have been genuine and factual throughout, but it is clear to me that continuing in this race will involve waging a very divisive and negative campaign, which I am not willing to do.”

Mrs. Murphy continued: “And with Donald Trump on the ballot and so much at stake for our nation, I will not, in good conscience, waste resources tearing down a fellow Democrat.”

Her exit from the race leaves Rep. Andy Kim as the only major candidate in the Democratic primary, all but ensuring he will be nominated.

Mr. Menendez said last week that if exonerated during his trial later this year, he will seek reelection as an “independent” Democrat and won’t file for the primary.

But expectations for a successful last-minute bid to stay in office would be extremely low for the embattled senator.

His campaign donations and voter support have dried up since being accused of, among other things, acting as an unregistered foreign agent for the government of Egypt and accepting lavish bribes like gold bars.

Although emphasizing party unity, Mrs. Murphy did not endorse Mr. Kim and made no mention of him. She said she will work to help reelect President Biden and other Democrats across New Jersey.

Mr. Kim commended Mrs. Murphy for being a “voice for progress and public service” and called for unity. 

“Unity is vital,” he said in a statement. “We will continue our efforts to strengthen our democracy in New Jersey while we come together to stand up against the dangerous agenda pushed by Trump.”