ROI Influencers Power List 2024: Super 60
Phil Murphy
Governor (D)
State of New Jersey
You may not remember it, but there was a time when Gov. Phil Murphy wasn’t the undisputed No. 1 choice on the ROI Influencers: Power List.
It was 2020 and the new governor still was struggling to find his footing. The then-still powerful state Senate president, Steve Sweeney, was schooling him politically in the ways of Trenton. They shared the top spot. Few disputed the ranking at the time.
That was just four years ago.
Murphy assumed unprecedented powers during the pandemic, showing strong leadership (whether you agreed with his policies or not — and most did).
The numerous executive orders around COVID-19 have long since expired, but Murphy’s grip on power and influence has not waned a bit. Today, he is fully entrenched in the top spot — as the governor of the state with the strongest executive powers should be.
What happens moving forward will be interesting to watch.
Each passing month to the end of his second term figures to lessen his influence a bit. That’s always the case. But, with Murphy, the journey to the finish line will be a little different. The first lady, Tammy Murphy, is running for U.S. Senate.
For starters, Murphy’s progressive desires took a hit last election. The Democrats picked up six seats in the Assembly, but all are moderates, pushing an already moderate Speaker in that direction.
Then, there’s the next election: The first lady, Tammy Murphy, is running for U.S. Senate.
The governor already has used his considerable influence to help the first lady instantly gain numerous endorsements — and the line — for the June primary. Fairly or unfairly, many may see the vote for U.S. Senate as a referendum on the governor. Others may see it as a test of how influential the governor remains. Check back here in a year for the answer. The governor already has used his considerable influence to help the first lady instantly gain numerous endorsements — and the line — for the June primary. Fairly or unfairly, many may see the vote for U.S. Senate as a referendum on the governor.
Others may see it as a test of how influential the governor remains.
