Phil Murphy on Principles & Values

	Phil Murphy on Principles & Values

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

Click here for definitions & background information on Principles & Values. Click here for a summary of all issue stances of Phil Murphy. Click here for a Wikipedia profile of Phil Murphy. Click here for a Ballotpedia profile of Phil Murphy. Click here for VoteMatch responses by Phil Murphy. Click here for issue positions of other NJ politicians. Click here for NJ primary archives. Click here for NJ secondary archives.
*Other governors on Principles & Values:*			*Phil Murphy on other issues:*
*NJ Gubernatorial:* Doug Steinhardt Hirsh Singh *NJ Senatorial:* Andy Kim Cory Booker Curtis Bashaw George Helmy Hirsh Singh Rik Mehta Robert Menendez Stuart Meissner Tammy Murphy	*Gubernatorial races 2025:* *New Jersey Governor:* Democratic primary June 10, 2025: Ras Baraka, Mayor of Newark (2014-present) Steven Fulop, Mayor of Jersey City (2013-present) Josh Gottheimer, U.S. Rep. NJ-5 (since 2017) Mikie Sherrill, U.S. Rep. NJ-11 (since 2019) Stephen Sweeney, N.J.Senate President (2010-2022) Republican primary June 10, 2025: Jon Bramnick, State Senator (since 2022); Minority Leader (2012-2022) Jack Ciattarelli, State Assemblyman (2011-2018), governor nominee (2021) Edward Durr, State Senator 3rd district (2022-2024); withdrew *Virginia Governor:* Democratic primary June 17 cancelled: Abigail Spanberger, U.S.Rep., VA-7 (2019-2024); Dem. nominee 2025 Levar Stoney, VA Secretary of the Commonwealth (2014-2016); (withdrew to run for Lt. Gov.) Republican primary June 17 cancelled: Winsome Earle-Sears, Lt. Gov. since 2022; GOP nominee 2025 Amanda Chase, State Senate District 11 (2016-2023); failed to make ballot Denver Riggleman, U.S.Rep. (R-VA-5); exploratory committee as Independent Glenn Youngkin, Incumbent Governor , (2022-2025), term-limited	*Mayoral races 2025:* *NYC Mayor Democratic primary June 24, 2025:* Adrienne Adams, speaker of the City Council Andrew Cuomo, former governor of New York, 2011-2021. Republican June 24 primary cancelled; general election Nov. 4: Eric Adams, incumbent Democratic mayor running as an independent Jim Walden, Independent; Former assistant U.S. Attorney Curtis Sliwa, Republican; CEO of the Guardian Angels *Jersey City Mayor (Non-partisan)* Non-partisan general election Nov. 4: Mussab Ali, former president of the Jersey City Board of Education Bill O'Dea, Hudson County commissioner (since 1997) Jim McGreevey, former N.J. Governor (2002-2004) James Solomon, city councilor (since 2017) Joyce Watterman, president of the Jersey City Council (since 2023) *Oakland CA Mayor* Non-partisan special election April 14, 2025: Barbara Lee, U.S.Rep CA-12 (1998-2025) Loren Taylor, Oakland City Council (2019-2023), lost general election Sheng Thao, Oakland Mayor, lost recall election Nov. 5, 2024	Abortion Budget/Economy Civil Rights Corporations Crime Drugs Education Energy/Oil Environment Families/Children Foreign Policy Free Trade Govt. Reform Gun Control Health Care Homeland Security Immigration Infrastructure/Technology Jobs Local Issues Principles/Values Social Security Tax Reform War/Iraq/Mideast Welfare/Poverty [Title9]