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Democrats in the state Legislature managed to prevail in a tough campaign cycle to maintain control in both houses and even expand majorities. The party kept a 25-15 advantage in the Senate and expanded its majority to 52-28 in the Assembly, after picking up six seats. Despite the hot-button issues of economy, parental rights in schools and offshore wind/clean energy transition, Democrats will retain power for the final two years of Gov. Phil Murphy’s second term.

“As a general matter, it was overwhelmingly a good night and it feels good because it validates the work that we have been doing in our administration with the Legislature,” Murphy told WNYC’s Nancy Solomon during his post-election “Ask Governor Murphy” radio call-in show. “Folks sort of rejected the culture warrior stuff and focused on the facts, the kitchen table stuff like affordability. And folks clearly still care a whole lot about reproductive freedom and abortion rights. Those are some of the takeaways I have. But incredibly proud to stand with our legislators and candidates who won yesterday.”

The governor ran through some of the key races, including District 3, a longtime South Jersey stronghold for Democrats until Senate President Steve Sweeney was knocked off by Sen. Ed Durr in 2021. That seat was reclaimed by John Burzichelli. Murphy also pointed to the huge win by Sen. Vin Gopal and his two running mates, Assemblywomen-elect Margie Donlon and Luanne Peterpaul, in the 11th District, as well as key wins in the 38th District and others.

Following the triumphs, the Democrats retained much of their current leadership structure – as Senate President Nick Scutari, D-22nd District, and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, D-19th District, will continue to lead their respective chambers.

“I am honored to have the support of my colleagues in the Senate Democratic Majority to continue to serve as Senate President, including the new members who will join the caucus,” said Scutari in a Nov. 9 statement. “The successful election will provide additional momentum for Senate Democrats to build on the progress we have made on key issues. I look forward to working with Majority Leader Ruiz, the Democratic caucus and other state leaders to continue to move the state forward,” he added, referring to Sen. Teresa Ruiz, D-29th District.

“I am grateful for the trust my caucus members have placed in me by selecting me to serve a fourth term as Assembly Speaker,” said Coughlin Nov. 9. “Over the past six years, we have accomplished big things for the people of New Jersey. From delivering critical property tax relief to facing food insecurity head-on, I am proud of what we have achieved and thrilled that we get to continue our work to build a better future for our state and the 9.3 million people who live here.”

Coughlin argued that Democrats focused on issues people cared about during last session. “Creating property tax relief programs, lowering prescription drug costs, making child care more affordable, and standing up for safe communities and a women’s right to choose,” Coughlin added. “We spent the last two years dealing with issues people talk about at the kitchen table. For the next two years, we plan to stay at the kitchen table. I look forward to spending the next two years working with Assembly leadership team, the members of our caucus, our colleagues in the Legislature, and the governor to build upon the foundation we have laid over the past several years.”

On the Republican side, Senate Minority Leader Anthony Bucco, R-25th District, and Assembly Republican Leader John DiMaio, R-23rd District, were re-elected to their respective leadership posts.

“I am honored my colleagues have entrusted me to continue to lead our caucus as we fight for this great state and our policies that put people ahead of politics,” said DiMaio in a Nov. 9 statement. “We are going to make sure the diverse needs of all New Jerseyans are met, while lowering the cost of living and continuing to push back on this administration’s controversial agenda that will deal a blow to our wallets, public education system, the state’s economy and businesses.”

“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to continue leading my colleagues in the Senate Republican Caucus,” said Bucco in a Nov. 9 statement. “It is an honor to serve with an amazing group of distinguished and dedicated public servants. We will continue to work tirelessly on behalf of voters to address their concerns about affordability, rising crime, and soaring energy costs.”

The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce congratulated the winners of the election and said the organization’s leaders look forward to working with the administration and legislators in the new legislative session.

“The 2023 election has passed and New Jersey voters, in exit polls, overwhelmingly stated that strengthening the economy and tackling affordability is their No. 1 issue. These have been priority issues the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce has been pushing for many years,” President and CEO Tom Bracken said in a Nov. 8 statement. “Moving forward, the Chamber looks forward to meeting with policymakers to discuss ways to build upon our state’s economic momentum highlighted by New Jersey climbing 23 places to No. 19 in CNBC’s annual Top States for Doing Business list.”

Bracken noted, though, that there is more work to be done to maintain that ranking or to place even higher. “The Chamber will continue to push its six-point legislative agenda designed to assist employers of all sizes and, if implemented, build on the state’s recent successes,” Bracken added. “New Jersey has the potential to be a Top 10 state in the nation when it comes to doing business – and let’s all work together to achieve that milestone. A strong economy will benefit every business and resident of our state.”

“I think affordability, economic matters, reproductive freedoms were resonating around the state and around the country,” said Murphy during his radio call-in show after the election results. “That’s going to have huge implications and positive implications for next year.”