The decision, made over the weekend with political advisers, including her husband, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, clears a path for Rep. Andy Kim in the state's hotly contested Democratic primary.
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"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 said.
Despite her husband's connections, polls show New Jersey voters, who are fiercely independent, did not appreciate so much power concentrated in one husband and wife team - especially with the First Lady never having run for office before.
Tammy Murphy's exit leaves the spotlight on democratic frontrunner Andy Kim. Congressman Kim told the press tonight in an audio meeting that he and Tammy spoke briefly today and that he's prepared for the long race ahead.
"I'm grateful for this opportunity to continue on," Kim said.
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Both democrats and republicans are fighting for the seat held by senior Senator Robert Menendez, a Democrat who is facing a slew of corruption charges. Every seat is critical in shaping the future, political landscape.
Rep. Andy Kim released a statement Sunday saying,
"Tammy Murphy has been a voice for progress and public service in our state, and I respect her decision to carry on that work as First Lady. Tammy and I both agree that it is critical that we keep this seat, and the Senate, in Democratic control. Unity is vital. 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. I will look forward to working alongside her, and the Governor, between now and November, and I hope to work alongside them to fight for New Jersey if I'm elected to represent our amazing state in the U.S. Senate."
Menendez took himself out of the running for the June 4 primary in an announcement last week but left the door.
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