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Phil Murphy on Principles & Values

 

 


My vision for a stronger, fairer NJ has been my North Star

But, there is a reason I have been relentless in realizing my vision for a "stronger and fairer" New Jersey since Day One--and really, since I launched my first campaign back in 2016, a full decade ago. This isn't simply a slogan. It is my North Star. One that has guided me since my childhood, throughout my career, and at every stage of our journey together. It is the same vision that inspired me to step into the arena--as a candidate--for the first time in my entire life.
Source: 2026 State of the State Address to New Jersey legislature , Jan 13, 2026

In New Jersey, our values are who we are

Here is my promise to the people of New Jersey:

I will never back away from partnering with the Trump Administration where our priorities align.

But just as importantly, I will never back down from defending our New Jersey values--if and when they are tested. After all, to borrow a phrase from a former Trenton-area bartender--the great Jon Stewart--"if you don't stick to your values when they're being tested, they're not values: they're hobbies." In New Jersey, our values are who we are.

Source: 2025 State of the State Address to New Jersey legislature , Jan 14, 2025

NGA: More respect and friendship; less partisanship

I have the great honor this year of serving as the Chairman of the National Governors Association. Sitting by my side as vice-chairman is Governor Spencer Cox, Republican of Utah.

There are few states more different than New Jersey and Utah. Yet over the past six months, Spencer and I have come to respect each other not just as colleagues, but even more so as friends. This is what we need more of in our politics. Definitely at the national level, but right here at home, as well.

Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the N.J. legislature , Jan 10, 2023

It's okay to admit it: it's cool to be from New Jersey again

Jersey Pride is bubbling up once again all throughout our state. We've always had a swagger. In past times it was our line of defense against any number of slights and jokes. But not any more.

It is okay to admit it--it's cool to be from New Jersey again. It's cool because we are once again leading in all the right things. And, because in 2026, we get to host the World Cup.

Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the N.J. legislature , Jan 10, 2023

For all of us, the politicking ends and the governing begins

You are sick and tired of the hyper-partisanship, the bickering, the inaction, the division, and the endless finger-pointing we see in Washington. So am I. And we don't want that political stagnation to creep into our work here in Trenton. Not in our very backyard. Not when there is still too much uncertainty in our lives and our communities, and too many challenges ahead. From today forward, for all of us, the politicking ends and the governing begins. That's true patriotism.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to New Jersey legislature , Jan 11, 2022

Signed assisted suicide law; choice is a personal one

Murphy signed the Medical Aid in Dying for the Terminally Ill Act into law. In signing the bill, Murphy, a self-described "lifelong, practicing Catholic," remarked that while he was aware that the Church opposed assisted suicide he was signing the bill into law regardless. "After careful consideration, internal reflection, and prayer, I have concluded that, while my faith may lead me to a particular decision for myself, as a public official I cannot deny this alternative to those who may reach a different conclusion," said Murphy. "I believe this choice is a personal one and, therefore, signing this legislation is the decision that best respects the freedom and humanity of all New Jersey residents."
Source: Catholic Online on 2021 NJ Gubernatorial race , Apr 16, 2021

New Jerseyans need to know government has their backs

This commitment to transparency and honesty must be a standard we set across the whole of government. Just as we can't go back to economic policies that put the wealthy and the well-connected first, we can't lean on the broken politics that puts special interests first.

I was proud to propose the first comprehensive set of ethics reforms in a decade, with bipartisan support, and I remain committed to them. New Jerseyans need to know -- not just believe -- that their government has their backs.

Source: 2021 State of the State Address to New Jersey legislature , Jan 12, 2021

Others focus on next election; we focus on next generation

Putting self-interest before the common good, the next-day headline before the long-term work--those were deliberate choices. The easy way out would have been for us to continue pursuing shortcuts that could paper over our problems and make us feel good in the short-term. But, I refuse to let our problems become bigger. Where others have focused only on the next election, we're focused on the next generation.
Source: 2020 New Jersey State of the State address , Jan 14, 2020

Quality of life more important than tax breaks

The bottom line is that being competitive isn't a race to give out the biggest tax breaks. It's about leading the way on education, infrastructure, and diversity and inclusion. Companies want to stay and grow and locate in a state that allows them to flourish and for their workers to prosper in all parts of their lives. That is a vision of true success that can be shared by every family. That is how you build a stronger and fairer New Jersey.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to New Jersey legislature , Jan 15, 2019

Reject Pres. Trump's dark belief of an America in decline

We will resist every attempt to define who is, and who is not, a real American, to delegitimize our LGBTQ brothers and sisters, or to divide us based on how we worship. And we must reject President Trump's dark belief of an America in decline and in carnage.

Let there be no doubt: ours is an imperfect, but great, nation. Our exceptionalism derives from our values, articulated as forcefully in our Constitution as in the words written by Emma Lazarus at the base of the Statue of Liberty.

The current and unrelenting assault on our values will not stand, and we will combat it with every available means. We did not ask for this fight, but it is one that we must--and we will -- take on.

Source: 2018 New Jersey Inauguration/State of the State speech , Jan 16, 2018

Endorsed by Bernie Sanders/Our Revolution.

Murphy is endorsed by Bernie Sanders/Our Revolution endorsement list

Endorsements by Bernie Sanders' group, "Our Revolution," implying support of a progressive agenda and "organizing to win." OR`s self-description: `Bernie Sanders launched Our Revolution--America`s leading grassroots-funded progressive political organizing group--to empower everyday Americans to stand up to the corporate interests that seek to manipulate our government for personal gain.`

Source: Ballotpedia 2016-2022 endorsement list 2022-OR on Jan 1, 2022

Other governors on Principles & Values: Phil Murphy on other issues:
NJ Gubernatorial:
Doug Steinhardt
Edward Durr
Hirsh Singh
Jack Ciattarelli
Jim McGreevey
Jon Bramnick
Josh Gottheimer
Mikie Sherrill
Ras Baraka
Stephen Sweeney
NJ Senatorial:
Andy Kim
Cory Booker
Curtis Bashaw
George Helmy
Justin Murphy
Robert Menendez
Tammy Murphy

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Page last updated: Jun 09, 2026; copyright 1999-2022 Jesse Gordon and OnTheIssues.org