Phil Murphy

Phil Murphy
Official portrait, 2023
Phil Murphy
Born	Philip Dunton Murphy 16 8, 1957
Birthplace	Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Nationality	American
Occupation	Politician, financier, diplomat
Title	56th Governor of New Jersey
Known for	56th Governor of New Jersey
Education	University of Pennsylvania (MBA) Harvard University (BA)
Children	4
Awards	Chair of the National Governors Association (2022–2023)
Website	[[murphy4nj.com murphy4nj.com] Official site]

Philip Dunton Murphy (born August 16, 1957) is an American politician, financier, and former diplomat who served as the 56th governor of New Jersey from January 16, 2018, to January 20, 2026. A member of the Democratic Party, Murphy won the 2017 gubernatorial election by defeating Republican Kim Guadagno, the incumbent lieutenant governor, with 56 percent of the vote. He was narrowly reelected in 2021 with 51.2 percent, becoming the first Democratic governor of New Jersey to win a second term since Brendan Byrne in 1977. Prior to entering electoral politics, Murphy served as United States Ambassador to Germany from 2009 to 2013 under President Barack Obama. Before his career in public service, Murphy spent 23 years at Goldman Sachs, rising to senior leadership positions and accumulating considerable wealth before retiring in 2006. He subsequently became involved in Democratic Party politics, serving as finance chairman of the Democratic National Committee under Howard Dean. As governor, Murphy signed legislation legalizing cannabis and sports betting, enacted automatic voter registration, and managed the state's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. He was succeeded in office by fellow Democrat Mikie Sherrill on January 20, 2026.

Early Life

Philip Dunton Murphy was born on August 16, 1957, in Boston, Massachusetts. He was raised in a middle-class family in Massachusetts. Murphy has described his upbringing as one rooted in the values of hard work and community service. He grew up during a period of significant social and political change in the United States, and his early experiences in the Boston area shaped his later interest in public policy and civic engagement.

Murphy's family background was not one of particular wealth or political prominence, a fact he frequently referenced during his political campaigns to contrast with his later career on Wall Street. His formative years in Massachusetts provided the educational foundation that would lead him to two of the nation's most prestigious universities and, eventually, to a career in international finance.

Education

Murphy earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Harvard University. He subsequently attended the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a Master of Business Administration degree. His education at two of the most selective institutions in the United States positioned him for a career in high finance, and he joined Goldman Sachs shortly after completing his MBA at Wharton. The combination of a Harvard undergraduate education and a Wharton MBA became a recurring element of his public biography throughout his career in both finance and politics.

Career

Goldman Sachs (1983–2006)

Murphy began his career at Goldman Sachs in the early 1980s and spent 23 years at the investment bank, rising through the ranks to hold several senior positions. During his tenure, he held leadership roles in the firm's operations in both the United States and internationally, including heading Goldman Sachs's Frankfurt, Germany, office, which provided him with extensive experience in European affairs and international finance. His time leading the firm's German operations later informed his work as U.S. ambassador to the country.

At Goldman Sachs, Murphy accumulated considerable personal wealth, which he subsequently used to fund philanthropic endeavors and political activities. His long tenure at the firm and his rise to senior leadership drew both admiration and criticism during his later political career. Supporters pointed to his business acumen and management experience as assets for governance, while critics characterized him as a wealthy Wall Street insider. A 2014 profile described Murphy in terms that highlighted his elite background and lifestyle.

Murphy retired from Goldman Sachs in 2006 and transitioned into public service and political engagement.

Political and Philanthropic Activities

Following his retirement from Goldman Sachs, Murphy became active in Democratic Party politics at the national level. He served as finance chairman of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) during the mid-to-late 2000s under the chairmanship of Howard Dean. In this role, Murphy was responsible for overseeing the party's fundraising operations during a period that coincided with the 2008 presidential election cycle.

Murphy also became involved in various civic and philanthropic organizations. He served on the board of the NAACP. He was also associated with the U.S. Soccer Foundation. These activities raised his public profile and established relationships within the Democratic Party that would prove instrumental in his later political career.

United States Ambassador to Germany (2009–2013)

On June 25, 2009, President Barack Obama nominated Murphy to serve as the United States Ambassador to Germany. Murphy was confirmed by the United States Senate and began his service on September 3, 2009. He served in the role until August 26, 2013, succeeding William R. Timken and being succeeded by John B. Emerson.

During his tenure as ambassador, Murphy managed the U.S.–German relationship during a period that included the European sovereign debt crisis and evolving transatlantic security concerns. His previous experience running Goldman Sachs's Frankfurt office gave him familiarity with the German business and political landscape. In an interview with The Politic, Murphy discussed the complexities of the U.S.–German diplomatic relationship and the importance of economic cooperation between the two nations. Time magazine also profiled Murphy's work in Germany during his ambassadorship.

Murphy's time as ambassador further raised his profile within Democratic circles and provided him with foreign policy credentials that he later leveraged in his gubernatorial campaigns.

2017 Gubernatorial Campaign

Following his return from Germany, Murphy began laying the groundwork for a gubernatorial run in New Jersey. In 2014, reports emerged that Murphy was seriously considering a bid for governor in the 2017 election. Prior to formally announcing his candidacy, Murphy and his wife Tammy launched New Start New Jersey, a progressive advocacy organization that focused on economic issues and helped establish Murphy's policy positions and public profile within the state.

Murphy became the first official candidate in the 2017 gubernatorial race. His early entry into the race and substantial personal resources allowed him to build a significant organizational and fundraising advantage over his Democratic primary opponents. Murphy ran on a progressive platform that included raising the minimum wage, implementing a millionaire's tax, and legalizing recreational cannabis.

During the primary campaign, Murphy stated that he held his campaign to a higher standard than other candidates in the race. The Democratic gubernatorial race also drew attention for its internal party dynamics and competition among potential candidates.

In the general election, Murphy faced Republican nominee Kim Guadagno, who had served as lieutenant governor of New Jersey under Chris Christie. Murphy defeated Guadagno with approximately 56 percent of the vote, succeeding Christie, who was term-limited from seeking reelection.

First Term as Governor (2018–2022)

Murphy was inaugurated as the 56th governor of New Jersey on January 16, 2018, with Sheila Oliver serving as his lieutenant governor. His first term was defined by an ambitious progressive legislative agenda and, subsequently, by the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

During his first term, Murphy signed legislation to legalize cannabis for recreational use, fulfilling a central campaign promise. He also signed legislation legalizing sports betting in the state following the U.S. Supreme Court's 2018 decision in Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association, which struck down the federal ban on sports gambling. Additionally, Murphy signed automatic voter registration into law, expanding ballot access in the state.

The arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 dominated the second half of Murphy's first term. New Jersey was one of the states hardest hit during the initial wave of the pandemic, and Murphy implemented various public health measures including stay-at-home orders, business closures, and mask mandates. His management of the crisis drew both praise and criticism, as did his administration's handling of outbreaks in the state's long-term care facilities.

2021 Reelection

Murphy sought reelection in 2021 and faced Republican challenger Jack Ciattarelli in what was expected to be a comfortable Democratic victory. However, the race proved to be unexpectedly competitive, reflecting broader national political trends that included concerns about the economy, education policy, and pandemic restrictions. Murphy won reelection with 51.2 percent of the vote, a margin far narrower than polls had predicted. Despite the close result, Murphy's victory made him the first Democratic governor of New Jersey to win a second consecutive term since Brendan Byrne in 1977, a notable achievement in a state where governors of both parties had frequently struggled to win reelection.

Second Term as Governor (2022–2026)

Murphy's second term was marked by continued legislative activity and his role in national politics. In July 2022, he became chair of the National Governors Association (NGA), serving in that capacity until July 2023. He succeeded Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas and was succeeded by Spencer Cox of Utah.

During his second term, Murphy's lieutenant governor Sheila Oliver died in office and was succeeded by Tahesha Way, who had been serving as New Jersey's secretary of state.

In the final weeks of his governorship, Murphy remained active in signing and vetoing legislation. He signed a bill banning cellphone use in New Jersey public schools from "bell to bell," aimed at improving students' mental health. He also signed legislation requiring licenses for all forms of e-bikes, following a series of fatal crashes involving the vehicles. In his final days in office, Murphy signed a series of measures reforming existing legislation across several policy areas, including family leave, PFAS regulation, and farmland tax policy.

In his final hours as governor on January 20, 2026, Murphy vetoed two immigrant rights bills, drawing criticism from immigration activists. Murphy stated that one of the bills would have attracted judicial scrutiny and the other might have conflicted with federal law. He did, however, note that he had enacted other legislation during his tenure to protect the rights of undocumented residents in schools, hospitals, and other settings.

Murphy's administration also faced questions about the transparency of his clemency process. Though he had established an advisory board for clemency decisions, the ultimate authority to grant clemency rested with the governor, and some prosecutors and observers raised concerns about the process.

Murphy was succeeded by fellow Democrat Mikie Sherrill, who took office on January 20, 2026.

Personal Life

Murphy is married to Tammy Murphy (née Snyder). The couple has four children. The Murphys reside in New Jersey, having moved to the state from their previous residence. Murphy's considerable personal wealth, accumulated during his career at Goldman Sachs, was a subject of discussion throughout his political career.

Tammy Murphy was active during her husband's tenure as governor. In 2024, she launched a campaign to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Bob Menendez, who resigned following his federal corruption conviction. However, her campaign was ultimately unsuccessful, and she withdrew from the race.

Murphy's transition from Wall Street financier to progressive Democratic politician was a defining element of his public identity. He and his wife were active in philanthropic causes both before and during his time in public office, including their founding of New Start New Jersey.

Recognition

Murphy's service in government and civic life earned him several notable positions and acknowledgments. His appointment as United States Ambassador to Germany by President Obama in 2009 represented a significant diplomatic posting, one of the most important ambassadorships in the U.S. diplomatic corps.

In 2022, Murphy was elected chair of the National Governors Association, placing him at the head of the bipartisan organization representing the nation's governors. He served in this role from July 2022 to July 2023.

Murphy's achievement in winning reelection in 2021 was noted as historically significant, as he became the first Democratic governor of New Jersey to win a second consecutive term since Brendan Byrne in 1977. This accomplishment was frequently cited in media coverage as evidence of Murphy's political durability in a state with a history of ousting incumbent governors.

He was also recognized for his involvement with various civic organizations, including his service on the board of the NAACP and his association with the U.S. Soccer Foundation.

Legacy

Murphy's eight years as governor of New Jersey left a significant imprint on the state's policy landscape. His administration oversaw the legalization of recreational cannabis, the implementation of legal sports betting, and the expansion of voting access through automatic voter registration — each representing a substantial shift in state policy. His progressive agenda, which also included efforts to raise the minimum wage and increase taxes on high-income earners, moved New Jersey's policy framework to the left compared to the tenure of his predecessor, Chris Christie.

Murphy's management of the COVID-19 pandemic was among the most consequential aspects of his governorship. New Jersey's position as one of the earliest and hardest-hit states placed Murphy at the center of national debates about lockdowns, public health mandates, and government emergency powers.

His narrow reelection victory in 2021 served as an early indicator of shifting political dynamics that would continue to influence American politics in subsequent election cycles. The closeness of the race, in a state that President Biden had carried by 16 points in 2020, signaled vulnerabilities for Democrats on issues including education, taxes, and pandemic restrictions.

In the final period of his governorship, Murphy's legislative actions — from the school cellphone ban to e-bike regulations to family leave reforms — reflected a governor seeking to solidify his policy legacy in his waning days in office. His vetoes of immigrant protection bills in his final hours, however, demonstrated the complexities of governing in a politically divided environment, drawing criticism from progressives who had been among his strongest supporters.

After leaving office, the influence of Murphy's administration continued to be felt through the staff members who transitioned into other roles in politics and government affairs.