Reaction has poured in from all corners of the New Jersey political world following Monday’s bombshell news that First Lady Tammy Murphy will run for U.S. Senate in 2024.

The most notable response comes from the man whose seat Murphy is taking aim at – embattled U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J. Following his indictment earlier this fall, New Jersey’s senior senator has been called on to resign by a number of prominent Democrats, including the first lady’s husband, Gov. Phil Murphy.

“When Phil Murphy rushed to judgement and called on me to resign, it was clear he had a personal, vested interest in doing so at the expense of core democratic principles — the presumption of innocence and due process,” said Menendez in a statement. “Gov. Murphy has said he won’t appoint his wife to the seat, but why would he since there was never a need to? They believe they have to answer to nobody, but I am confident that the people of New Jersey will push back against this blatant maneuver at disenfranchisement.”

Menendez continued by noting Murphy’s previous affiliation with the Republican party – saying he has fought to elect Democrats up and down the ballot and for New Jersey families, as well as pointing to the state’s affordability and pandemic controversies under her husband’s watch.

“Mrs. Murphy will need to explain why she and the governor believe that if taxes are your issue, New Jersey is not your state,” said Menendez. “Doesn’t every family and small business owner deserve tax relief and the ability to afford the state they call home? She will need to finally address why so many veterans died in state-run nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic and why the state hasn’t fully implemented a tutoring program to address learning losses with federal funding I brought back to New Jersey.”

The senator closed out by saying he will gladly put his record of success on behalf of New Jersey against anyone.

“And am confident that when all the facts have been presented and my innocence proven, I’ll continue to do what I’ve always done for the past 30-plus years — deliver results for the people of New Jersey,” said Menendez.

U.S. Rep. Andy Kim, D-3rd District, who announced in September he would try to unseat Menendez, did not immediately release a statement following the news of Murphy’s candidacy and his campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Meanwhile, Mendham Mayor Christine Serrano Glassner, who is running for the seat on the Republican side, issued a statement decrying Murphy’s run as the same cronyism that has plagued New Jersey politics for decades.

“The very same cronyism that led New Jersey Democrats to support Bob Menendez despite his lengthy track record of blatant corruption,” said Serrano Glassner in a statement. “Mrs. Murphy’s campaign strategy of piggybacking off of her past financial contributions to influential politicians and her husband’s ability to dole out political favor reeks of corruption and nepotism.”

Describing the first lady as “Bougie Tammy with her Italian villa and designer label lifestyle,” Serrano Glassner continued that Murphy could not possibly relate to the struggles that New Jersey families face in this “daily Biden-Murphy economy.”

“If Tammy Murphy‘s coronation as the Democrat nominee takes place as planned, it will send a loud and clear signal to New Jersey voters that the Democrat machine has learned nothing from the sad saga of ‘Gold Bar Bob,’” said Serrano Glassner. “Their disdain for the democratic process and eager embrace of insider politics is what enables bad actors to manipulate the system for the benefit of well-connected elites at the expense of ordinary New Jerseyans.”

Democratic support

The announcement, though, was widely applauded and supported by Democratic leaders throughout the state.

Notably, the Hudson County Democratic Organization – the base and stronghold of Menendez’s support – endorsed Murphy’s campaign, saying she will run on the coveted HCDO ballot line in the June primary.

“From her strong record of advocating for progressive policy initiatives like protecting women and children’s health, to her incredible success raising millions of dollars for families in desperate need during the pandemic, to her business background and her long political record as a renowned Democratic fundraiser, it’s clear that Tammy Murphy is a uniquely qualified candidate for the U.S. Senate,” said Chairman Anthony Vainieri in a statement. “The Hudson County Democratic Organization is honored to give Tammy Murphy our full, unequivocal support. We look forward to working closely with Tammy and her team to reintroduce her to Hudson County voters and help her become the first woman to represent New Jersey in the U.S. Senate.”

Somerset County Chair Peg Schaffer also endorsed Murphy.

“I am endorsing Tammy Murphy because I have seen her on the world stage, the international stage, and in her backyard. She has the skill set, the talent, and the fire necessary to keep New Jersey in the mix,” said Schaffer in a statement. “Her work in maternal health, energy policy, and promoting equity has made a significant difference in our state and will make a mark in DC. NJ needs to send a strong woman to Washington to make sure we are all heard.”

Reaction continues to roll in as this story takes shape, sending tremors through the New Jersey State League of Municipalities Conference – which brings together many of the state’s top lawmakers, leaders and stakeholders – taking place this week in Atlantic City

Stay with NJBIZ for continued reaction and more as this story unfolds.