NJ Gov’s race: There’s a crowded field looking to succeed @GovMurphy. What direction will candidates take the state? Where are they on the issues?

Introducing the Murphy Meter, which shows what candidates think on issues relative to Murphy.

www.politico.com/interactives...

NJ Dems for gov want to amend the state constitution for abortion rights.

It’s a move that’s been debated in Trenton in recent years — but one that has not been endorsed by many legal experts and abortion-rights advocates in NJ, some of whom call it “unnecessary.”
www.politico.com/news/2025/03...

If you're wondering who is running for governor of NJ, or want a sense of where they stand on issues, take a look at this policy interactive our graphics gurus helped me compile. The comments section is also getting lively, if you're interested in weighing in.

2025 news: GOP Gov candidate Bill Spadea wants to end flu shot requirements in NJ. They are currently required for health care workers and pre-k/child care enrollment.

subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...

On the radio, @GovMurphy says he's "not a crypto guy."

"I don't get the use case, the reason for it to exist. ... It's not it's not jazzing me, at least at the moment."

On WNYC, @GovMurphy pushes back against host @NancySolomon2 saying @AndyKimNJ beat @FirstLadyNJ in the Senate Dem primary last year.

"Andy didn't defeat Tammy, Tammy pulled out to preserve the party, and to keep unity on the party."

(Tammy Murphy dropped out of the primary)

Interesting: Newark Mayor @rasjbaraka says the Trump admin’s new ICE detention center can’t open without satisfying permitting reqs.

From yesterday: The Murphy admin sent out a report projecting how much federal funds the state could lose under different Medicaid cut scenarios.

Some projections show the state losing $5.2 billion in federal matching funds from Medicaid.

subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...

What does @AndyKimNJ think of the ballot design bill passed by the Assembly?

"I didn't like it."

subscriber.politicopro.com/article/2025...

Camden dispatch: Indicted Dem power broker George Norcross shared the stage with Gov Murphy and 4 prior NJ Govs to highlight $3b project at Cooper hospital. Christie called Nocross indictment a "piece of garbage.

"https://www.politico.com/news/2025/01/28/norcross-new-jersey-governors-00201040

Fred Daibes, a prominent NJ developer and who provided bribes to former NJ Sen. Bob Menendez, is sentenced to seven years in prison and hit with $1.75 million fine.

Menendez sentencing is later today.

www.nytimes.com/2025/01/29/n...

Some news: Steve Sweeney, a Dem running for governor, says he would REPEAL New Jersey’s “sanctuary” state status.

There’s no universal definition of “sanctuary” states/cities but generally refers to local govts that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Some news: A spox for Gov. Phil Murphy weighs in on ICE’s Newark raids.

Dem state Sen. @PaulASarlo wades into culture wars in interview with @SteveAdubato:

“Males shouldn’t be participating in women’s sports, whether it’s at the rec level, the high school level, the collegiate level. Period.”

“I’m not afraid to say it.”

www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoHe...

Breaking: Longtime Clark Mayor Sal Bonaccorso pleads guilty to using town employees for his private business, must resign from office and barred from future public office or employment (via @NewJerseyOAG)

Breaking: Newly minted NJ State Commission of Investigation CEO Tiffany Williams Brewer is resigning. Follows @AsburyParkPress reporting that the CEO has a residency in Maryland.

Justice Department watchdog says politics may have tainted 2020 probes into NY-NJ nursing home deaths due to Covid. @JusticeOIG found official sent NY Post demand letters before states got them. w/ @danieljhan.bsky.social @NickReisman www.politico.com/news/2025/01...