Tammy Murphy has withdrawn from the Democratic Senate primary in New Jersey due to fear of negative campaigning, making Rep. Andy Kim the favorite. Murphy underestimated the backlash against her connections and lack of conventional qualifications, while Kim ran as an underdog with a strong story. Murphy’s reliance on the preferential ballot placement known as “the line” backfired, as Kim positioned himself as a foe of machine politics. Kim challenged the line as undemocratic, leading him to file a lawsuit to eliminate it, supported by the state’s attorney general. Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop withdrew his endorsement of Murphy in favor of Kim, further weakening her position.
Murphy’s campaign faced difficulties as Fulop and others switched their support to Kim, citing the conduct during county party conventions. Murphy had higher name recognition but lacked favorability among Democratic voters, needing to tarnish Kim’s image to catch up. However, Murphy did not have enough dirt on Kim to fuel negative ads effectively, as Kim defended his positions and criticized Murphy’s past involvement with the GOP. Murphy’s hesitance on key progressive issues like abolishing the filibuster also hurt her credibility. The high cost of advertising in the state and the need for a significant financial investment to fund negative campaigning further contributed to Murphy’s decision to drop out.
Kim’s strong stance against machine politics and the line system, combined with his successful track record as an underdog in flipping a Republican-held House seat, positioned him as a formidable candidate in the primary. He faced resistance from Murphy’s campaign and its allies, who used heavy-handed tactics to maintain support. New Jersey’s evolving political landscape, with a surge in grass-roots liberal energy and scrutiny of machine systems, worked in Kim’s favor. By challenging the line and advocating for a more democratic process, Kim was able to position himself as a reformer against entrenched insider power.
Murphy’s campaign struggled to overcome the negative perceptions of her reliance on connections and the establishment’s endorsements. The focus on the line system, which became a symbol of corruption and machine politics, turned the primary into a referendum on the controversial institution. By framing his campaign as a rejection of the line and a continuation of the efforts against corruption initiated by the Justice Department’s indictment of Menendez, Kim gained traction and support. Murphy’s failure to adapt to the changing political landscape in New Jersey and her inability to distance herself from the machine politics ultimately led to her withdrawal from the race.
The dynamics of the New Jersey Senate primary reflect a broader shift in the state’s political landscape, with a growing pushback against machine politics and insider influence. Kim’s campaign as a reformer and advocate for a more democratic process resonated with voters disillusioned with traditional power structures. Murphy’s decision to drop out highlights the challenges of navigating a changing political environment and the importance of authenticity and connecting with voters. As Kim continues to challenge the line system and push for reform, the outcome of the primary and the general election will serve as a barometer of New Jersey’s evolving political identity.
