Tammy Murphy suspends Senate campaign

New Jersey first lady Tammy Murphy on Sunday suspended her run for the Democratic nomination to represent the Garden State in the US Senate, after about four months on the trail.

The decision came, three days after Embattled New Jersey Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez declared not to run as a Democrat, reports CBS News.

Murphy said in a video published Sunday that she wanted to make sure voters heard from her directly.

Murphy said on X, known as Twitter, that she has been genuine and factual throughout, but it is clear to her that continuing in this race will involve waging a very divisive and negative campaign.

To replace embattled Democratic Sen, Murphy threw her hat into the ring in November.

 On Thursday, Bob Menendez announced that he would not be seeking the Democrat nomination while he wants to battle federal graft charges and left the door open to running as an independent.

He said his exoneration will take place this summer and allow him to pursue his candidacy.

Dropping out of the race, Murphy clears the path for Representative Andy Kim to win the Democratic nomination during New Jersey’s Democratic primary on June 4.

Kim, who was first elected to the House in 2018, responded to Murphy’s announcement in a post on social media on Sunday night.

Murphy did not directly address Kim or anyone during her announcement, but she offered up a message for the state’s next senator.

Murphy said while dividing the people of our party and state, New Jersey’s next senator must focus on the issues of our time and not be mired in tearing others down.

The politician said she is taking this decision as this campaign has never been about her.

Murphy said her race for Senate is over. Now, she will be using her time to focus on re-electing President Biden and ensure victories for Democrats in New Jersey, as Democrats across the US contest to maintain control of the Senate.