First Lady Tammy Murphy made a surprise announcement Sunday afternoon, suspending her Democratic Senate campaign.

Over the last few months, Murphy has been locked in a grueling race with U.S. Rep. Andy Kim, D-3rd District, to secure the Democratic nomination to compete in the fall for the Senate seat currently held by embattled and indicted Sen. Bob Menendez. Facing an upcoming trial, the incumbent last week said he is not running in the Democratic primary, while leaving the door open on an independent run.

The race has shined a light on the controversial New Jersey county line ballot process. Murphy also faced the optics of running while her husband serves as governor of the state. The grassroots of the party has seemingly coalesced around Kim. Meanwhile, Murphy had won the support of many of the its leaders and county bosses.

In a social media post, Murphy announced the suspension of the campaign and laid out her rationale. She stressed she did not want to be in a bloody race that would tear the Democratic party apart.

A Message from Tammy pic.twitter.com/dfl7kPUUej

— Tammy Murphy (@TammyMurphyNJ) March 24, 2024

“After many busy, invigorating, and, yes, challenging months, I am suspending my Senate campaign today,” said Murphy. “I’ve 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. 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.”

Building up

Murphy said that she has been focused on solutions and a vision for the next generation — not process and politics.

“New Jersey’s next senator must focus on the issues of our time and not be mired in tearing others down – while dividing the people of our party and our state,” Murphy explained. “I’m making this decision because this campaign has never been about me. And right now, I know the best thing we can do for New Jersey is to unite and focus on the real issues at hand.”

She pointed to issues such as gun violence, climate change, reproductive rights and more.

Murphy did not endorse Kim or any other candidates. She said her focus is on electing fellow Democrats. Patricia Campos-Medina, Lawrence Hamm and Patrick Merrill are also vying for the seat.

“It’s time to unify – not divide. I will now focus entirely on re-electing President [Joe] Biden and ensuring Democratic victories up and down the ballot all across New Jersey,” said Murphy. “I look forward to partnering with you to ensure our communities are affordable, our rights and freedoms protected, and our futures safe and secure.”

It’s time to unify – not divide. – First Lady Tammy Murphy

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the support you’ve given me these last many months,” Murphy closed out. “I look forward seeing you again soon. And, as always, I’m here for you – as and when you need me. So, let’s go New Jersey.”

‘Catching my breath’

“I was surprised to hear today that Tammy Murphy has suspended her US Senate race for New Jersey,” said Campos-Media in a statement. “I understand how hard it is to be a woman in NJ politics and wish her well. I plan to continue my campaign and tomorrow I will my signatures to appear on the ballot. I challenge all candidates to discuss and debate issues.”

Kim, who becomes the likely frontrunner for the nomination with Murphy’s announcement, weighed in on social media as well.

“I’m finally catching my breath today. Thank you everyone for the kind words of support. Let us also show our respect and appreciation to First Lady Tammy Murphy for her continued service to our state and country,” Kim wrote on social media. “It’s important to take a step back and remember that we are all a part of something bigger than all of us.

“We are here at this moment today because of the extraordinary grassroots movement growing in NJ,” Kim wrote. “And I can promise you we are going to keep running the strongest possible campaign imaginable through Election Day. Let’s keep it going!”