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Phil Murphy

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Phil Murphy
Born (1957-08-16) August 16, 1957 (age 69)
Needham, Massachusetts, U.S.
Occupation(s)Politician, financier, diplomat
Years active1982–present
Known for56th Governor of New Jersey, U.S. Ambassador to Germany (2009–2013)

Philip Dunton Murphy (born August 16, 1957) is an American political figure, financier, and former diplomat who has held the position of the 56th governor of New Jersey since 2018. Affiliated with the Democratic Party, he secured the governorship in the 2017 race and was narrowly reelected in 2021. Between 2009 and 2013, Murphy served as the U.S. ambassador to Germany.

Murphy was born in Needham, Massachusetts and earned academic credentials from both Harvard University and the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School. Prior to his political career, he spent 23 years at Goldman Sachs, where he held high-ranking positions and amassed considerable wealth before retiring in 2006. Subsequently, he became politically active, including a tenure as finance chairman for the Democratic National Committee during Howard Dean's leadership.

In preparation for his gubernatorial bid, Murphy and his wife, Tammy Murphy, founded New Start New Jersey, a progressive advocacy group. He defeated Republican Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno in the 2017 election, winning 56% of the vote. His reelection campaign in 2021 was closely contested, resulting in a 51.2% victory. This achievement made him the first Democratic governor in New Jersey since Brendan Byrne in 1977 to secure a second term.

Throughout his initial term, Murphy enacted legislation that legalized both cannabis and sports betting, alongside instituting automatic voter registration. He also introduced multiple public health initiatives amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In his subsequent term, Tammy Murphy ran unsuccessfully for the Senate seat left open by Bob Menendez. Additionally, Murphy worked with the Trump administration to oppose New York's proposed congestion pricing plan targeting Manhattan's most traffic-heavy zones.

Early life and education

Born on August 16, 1957, in Boston, Massachusetts, Murphy grew up in the neighboring communities of Needham and Newton, Massachusetts. His parents were Dorothy Louise (Dunton) and Walter F. Murphy.[1]Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name[2][3][4]

Coming from a third-generation Irish American family,[5] Murphy characterized his upbringing as "middle class on a good day," with his mother employed as a secretary and his father taking on various roles including managing a liquor store.[6][4] Both parents actively supported John F. Kennedy's 1952 Senate campaign.[7] As a child, Murphy played soccer—a pastime he continued to enjoy later in life. His mother placed strong emphasis on education; all four siblings attained college degrees.[5]

Murphy completed his secondary education at Needham High School in 1975, graduating alongside future Massachusetts governor Charlie Baker.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Harvard University in 1979.[8][9] During his time at Harvard, he entertained aspirations of becoming a professional musical theater performer and served as president of the Hasty Pudding Theatricals.[8][4][10] He later obtained an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School in 1983.[4][1]

Finance career at Goldman Sachs (1982–2003)

Murphy launched his career in finance through a summer internship at Goldman Sachs in 1982 and secured a full-time position upon graduating in 1983.[11] He rapidly climbed the ranks, attributing his success to his ability to broker deals: "Even if two parties clash... I position myself as the intermediary so that all three can reach a mutually satisfactory agreement."[3]

From 1993 until 1997, Murphy was in charge of Goldman Sachs' Frankfurt branch,[7][12] where his oversight expanded to include Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and the emerging markets of Central Europe following the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact. During this time, he participated in privatization transactions with the German government's Treuhandanstalt agency and co-established the International Advisor Council of Atlantik-Brücke.[13]

Between 1997 and 1999, Murphy held the position of President of Goldman Sachs (Asia), operating out of Hong Kong.[12][14] Under his leadership, the firm realized gains from a $55 million stake in Yue Yuen Industrial Holdings, a footwear manufacturer that faced criticism over labor conditions.[15] The extent of Murphy’s awareness regarding these operational concerns remains uncertain.[15] In 1998, he characterized Goldman Sachs as "elite in the same way the Marine Corps is elite".[11]

In 1999, Murphy became a member of the firm's management committee alongside future public officials such as Hank Paulson and Gary Cohn.[11] This era followed the repeal of Glass–Steagall, which allowed for increased use of leverage and significantly altered profit mechanisms.[11]

By 2001, Murphy was appointed global co-head of Goldman Sachs' Investment Management Division,[5][16][11] managing assets totaling $373 billion that included foundations, pension funds, hedge funds, and affluent clients.[11] His division notably extended substantial credit facilities to hedge funds and expanded operations into emerging markets across the EMEA region.[14]

In 2003, Murphy reduced his involvement in daily management to assume a Senior Director role,[11] eventually retiring in 2006 after dedicating 23 years to Goldman Sachs.[7][17]

Chair of the New Jersey Benefits Task Force

In May 2005, Governor Richard Codey appointed Murphy as chair of the New Jersey Benefits Task Force to address challenges related to public sector employee benefits amid a state pension crisis. By December 2005, when the task force issued its report, Murphy was regarded as retired from Goldman Sachs. The findings criticized previous state approaches as mere "gimmicks" rather than genuine solutions.

Among Murphy’s recommendations was the sale of publicly owned assets; although largely not implemented, certain suggestions such as increasing the retirement age and revising pension calculation methods were adopted. These reforms faced opposition from labor unions, with leader Carla Katz pledging vigorous resistance. The New York Times highlighted the report’s importance for directly confronting these issues.

Democratic Party Finance Chairmanship

Following his tenure at Goldman Sachs, Murphy held the position of National Finance Chair for the Democratic National Committee (DNC) from 2006 until 2009, collaborating closely with Chair Howard Dean. He was a strong advocate for Dean's disciplined approach and supported the implementation of the "50-state strategy," despite resistance from prominent Democrats such as Charles Schumer and Rahm Emanuel. Murphy preferred to resolve disagreements internally rather than engaging in public conflicts.

His former associate, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Robert Rubin, commended Murphy for combining technical proficiency with strong interpersonal abilities. Dean recognized Murphy’s insight into the distinct nature of political leadership compared to corporate management.

In his initial year, Murphy utilized connections from academic institutions and Goldman Sachs to substantially narrow the fundraising disparity with the Republican National Committee, ultimately securing $300 million for the DNC. By 2009, he had personally contributed nearly $1.5 million to Democratic candidates, including significant six-figure donations to party committees. During the fiercely contested Democratic presidential primaries, 2008, Murphy served as a superdelegate but remained largely undecided throughout most of the race.

Ambassadorial Role

From 2009 to 2013, Murphy acted as the United States Ambassador to Germany under President Barack Obama. His nomination received endorsement from former Ambassador John Kornblum, who highlighted Murphy’s extensive engagement in German-American affairs. After obtaining agrément, Obama officially nominated him on July 9, 2009. The Senate confirmed his appointment on August 7, and he arrived in Berlin with his family on August 21, 2009. Murphy formally presented his credentials to German President Horst Koehler on September 3, marking the commencement of his duties, and was sworn in on September 13.

The nomination attracted some criticism, notably Chancellor Merkel’s displeasure regarding Murphy’s arrival aboard a costly Gulfstream V jet, which fueled concerns about ambassadorships being granted to affluent donors.

During his service, leaked diplomatic cables revealed critical evaluations authored by Murphy concerning senior German officials, including Merkel and Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle. This led certain German politicians to call for his recall. Murphy addressed these issues publicly through media engagements, accepted responsibility but initially refrained from apologizing for staff remarks. On December 5, he issued a formal apology related to the leak. He later described the episode as "incredibly awkward and embarrassing," while affirming that bilateral relations between the U.S. and Germany remained robust.

In relation to the European debt crisis in 2013, Murphy underscored the importance of balancing fiscal discipline with economic growth, noting divergent economic philosophies between Germany and the U.S., yet emphasizing a constructive way forward.

On May 29, 2013, Murphy announced plans to resign. He continued in his ambassadorial role until July before returning to the United States that month; his official mission concluded on August 26, 2013.

Activities Following Ambassadorship

Although considered a possible contender in the 2013 New Jersey gubernatorial race, Murphy ultimately chose not to run. After completing his ambassador role, he returned stateside and resumed leadership at Murphy Endeavors LLC—a business management consultancy he founded in 2009 with headquarters in Red Bank, New Jersey. The firm had been on hiatus during his diplomatic assignment. Additionally, he shared insights from his time in Germany through public speaking engagements, including events commemorating the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall.

In 2014, Murphy launched New Start New Jersey, a nonprofit progressive policy think tank dedicated to addressing issues within New Jersey. His wife played a founding role and held leadership positions within this organization. Although legally restricted from endorsing or financially supporting political candidates, New Start New Jersey elevated Murphy’s political visibility by organizing events featuring prominent personalities like singer Jon Bon Jovi. The think tank aimed at aiding displaced workers in reentering employment. Notably, leaked emails from Podesta in 2016 revealed that Murphy was seriously contemplating a gubernatorial bid at the time of establishing this group, viewing it as a platform to enhance name recognition.

Upon declaring his candidacy for governor, Murphy resigned from New Start New Jersey’s board; however, the organization continued its activities independently.

In September 2015, he founded New Way for New Jersey—a progressive political entity focused on organizing town halls and mobilizing Democrats against incumbent Governor Chris Christie. Unlike New Start New Jersey, this group engaged explicitly in political activism. On March 2, 2016, it launched a petition criticizing Christie for neglecting gubernatorial responsibilities due to his endorsement of Donald Trump’s presidential bid, urging him to "do your job or quit." Following Murphy’s official entry into the governor’s race later that year, New Way for New Jersey was disbanded.

2017

In May 2016, Murphy declared his bid for the Democratic nomination in the 2017 New Jersey gubernatorial race, marking him as the first candidate to enter the contest. He remarked, "I am seeking the governorship because New Jersey urgently requires mature leadership that prioritizes its citizens."[18]

His early announcement was atypical and presented difficulties, particularly due to inevitable comparisons with former governor Jon Corzine, another affluent former Goldman Sachs executive. Starting with limited public recognition, Murphy planned to invest $10 million of his own funds into the campaign while actively pursuing additional contributions. He committed to rejecting dark money, aspiring to uphold a superior standard for his campaign.[19]

Potential contenders included Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, Assemblyman John Wisniewski, State Senator Raymond Lesniak, and State Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney. Fulop and Sweeney represented competing regional interests, with Murphy often viewed as a backup option poised to gain momentum if either stumbled.[20]

Fulop exited the race on September 28, 2016, endorsing Murphy; shortly after, on October 6, Sweeney also withdrew, citing party unity behind Murphy and endorsing him. These departures established Murphy as the frontrunner, though Wisniewski and Lesniak continued their campaigns.[21][22]

After the 2016 presidential election, Murphy voiced disappointment but reaffirmed his dedication to fostering fairness in New Jersey. Republican candidate Kim Guadagno criticized Murphy for remarks interpreted as likening the Trump campaign's rise to Nazi ascension.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name

Wisniewski officially launched his candidacy on November 15, 2016, differentiating himself by highlighting his public service credentials in contrast to Murphy's Wall Street background.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name

In January 2017, Murphy gained endorsements from U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Cory Booker, along with support from all 21 county Democratic organizations—crucial for advantageous ballot placement in statewide contests.[23]

By February 2017, polling data indicated Murphy held a commanding lead for both the Democratic nomination and a potential general election matchup against Guadagno; however, some surveys revealed voter indecision.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name

During two May debates featuring opponents such as former U.S. Treasury official Jim Johnson, Murphy faced accusations of purchasing party loyalty but defended his progressive agenda. Despite critiques, he maintained a substantial lead in polls.[24][25]

Murphy amassed $19 million in campaign funds—$15 million of which was self-financed—exceeding the combined spending of all other gubernatorial candidates. He contributed $1.5 million to county parties and local campaigns. His endorsements included former Vice Presidents Joe Biden and Al Gore, reinforcing his environmental commitments amid fracking-related controversies. Public figures such as Jon Bon Jovi and Whoopi Goldberg supported his fundraising efforts. The majority of prominent state labor unions also endorsed him.[23]

Despite media reports of voter disengagement shortly before the primary,[26] Murphy secured victory on June 6 with 48% of votes; Johnson and Wisniewski each garnered 22%, while Lesniak received 5%.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name[27]

In the November general election against Guadagno—who campaigned as a moderate distancing herself from unpopular figures Christie and Trump—Murphy chose Assemblywoman Sheila Oliver as his lieutenant governor candidate.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name

Murphy prevailed with roughly 56% of the vote, reversing many of Christie's previous gains from 2013 and restoring Democratic dominance in pivotal counties.

His campaign emphasized several major policy initiatives:

  • State bank: Proposed establishing a North Dakota-style statewide investment bank aimed at stimulating New Jersey’s economy by offering loans to businesses and students, reducing dependence on Wall Street institutions.[23]
  • Pensions: Pledged to honor state pension commitments while recognizing the complexity involved in addressing them.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
  • Marijuana: Supported legalizing recreational marijuana within New Jersey.[28]
  • Minimum wage: Advocated for a $15 minimum wage paired with guaranteed paid sick leave.[28][23]
  • Affordable housing: Recommended strategic investments to expand affordable housing options without imposing mandatory new construction amid local concerns over overdevelopment and misuse of the Mount Laurel doctrine.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
  • School desegregation: In 2018, Murphy’s transition team initiated a school desegregation lawsuit titled Latino Action Network v. New Jersey.

2021

On October 1, 2020, Murphy declared his intention to seek reelection, selecting Oliver as his running mate. After his primary challengers were disqualified, he faced no opposition in the 2021 Democratic primary. In the general election, Murphy narrowly prevailed over Republican Jack Ciattarelli despite facing criticism related to prolonged COVID-19 restrictions. This victory marked Murphy as the first Democratic governor in New Jersey to secure a second term since Brendan Byrne in 1977.

Governorship

Murphy was inaugurated as New Jersey's 56th governor on January 16, 2018, taking over from Chris Christie. Among his initial initiatives were the reinstatement of subsidies for wind energy and committing New Jersey to the Paris Climate Accord. He spearheaded legal action against the EPA for suspending the Clean Water Rule and enacted legislation mandating automatic voter registration via driver's license applications. Additionally, Murphy legalized sports wagering and implemented reforms to NJ Transit's leadership structure.

In 2019, he approved laws permitting physician-assisted death for terminally ill individuals, extended the statute of limitations for sexual assault claims, and imposed restrictions on solitary confinement within correctional facilities. He also opposed a significant power plant development proposed in the Meadowlands region.

The COVID-19 pandemic dominated Murphy's administration from March 2020 onward, prompting emergency declarations, statewide stay-at-home orders, mask requirements, and a phased reopening strategy. By mid-2020, New Jersey had recorded nearly 16,000 deaths related to COVID-19 and surpassed 100,000 confirmed cases.

Initially endorsing Senator Cory Booker’s presidential bid in 2020, Murphy shifted his support to Joe Biden following Booker’s withdrawal. In February 2021, he signed legislation that legalized adult recreational cannabis use, established a regulated market, allowed possession of up to six ounces, and provided for expungement of past low-level cannabis offenses. He concluded the COVID public health emergency in June 2021 but maintained certain executive authorities. Following his reelection in November of that year, Murphy emphasized reopening schools fully for in-person learning.

In July 2022, Murphy was chosen as chair of the National Governors Association—the first individual from New Jersey to assume this leadership role.

During April 2023, Murphy played a key role in resolving the Rutgers University strike after five days of negotiations. He also issued an executive order safeguarding patients and healthcare professionals involved in gender-affirming treatments from legal actions. By December 2024, he enacted legislation prohibiting book bans within New Jersey’s schools and libraries.

New York congestion pricing

On July 21, 2023, Murphy initiated legal action against the U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration challenging New York’s congestion pricing plan targeting Manhattan’s most traffic-dense zones. He contended that the initiative—which aims to reduce emissions and fund public transit—violated the National Environmental Policy Act due to an inadequate environmental impact assessment. Environmental advocates criticized Murphy for opposing congestion pricing in one of the world’s most heavily polluted metropolitan areas.

In January 2025, Murphy appealed to then-President Donald Trump to intervene against the congestion pricing scheme. The following month, the Trump administration canceled the plan; Trump characterized himself as "king" during the announcement. Murphy praised this outcome, while New York Governor Kathy Hochul condemned it and questioned New Jersey’s influence over New York’s transportation policies. In March, Murphy accompanied Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy as Duffy disparaged New York’s public transit system and criticized the congestion pricing effort.

Appointments

Between July 28 and August 13, 2023, during Governor Murphy's leave, Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver assumed the role of acting governor. Oliver was admitted to the hospital due to a medical emergency on July 31 and passed away the following day, August 1. Subsequently, New Jersey Senate President Nicholas Scutari took on the duties of acting governor until Murphy resumed office. On September 8, Murphy designated Tahesha Way, who was serving as Secretary of State at the time, to fill the lieutenant governor vacancy left by Oliver’s passing.

After United States Senator Bob Menendez stepped down on August 20, 2024, Murphy appointed George Helmy, his former chief of staff from 2019 to 2023, to serve out the remainder of Menendez’s term. Following the November election in which Representative Andy Kim won the seat, Helmy resigned to allow Kim to take office.

Approval ratings

An April 2018 survey indicated that Murphy held a 44% approval rating among New Jersey voters, with 28% expressing disapproval and another 28% undecided. By February 2019, Monmouth University reported a slight dip in approval to 43%, while disapproval increased to 40%. Throughout that year, U.S. News & World Report consistently ranked Murphy among the ten least favored governors nationwide. A Monmouth poll conducted in September 2019 revealed a 41% approval rate and a 38% disapproval rate; additionally, 31% of respondents felt his policies negatively impacted the middle class, whereas only 17% believed they were advantageous.

Murphy’s popularity rose significantly during the COVID-19 crisis, with Fairleigh Dickinson University polling showing a peak approval of 67% in July 2020, maintaining levels above 60% through the end of that year. However, by mid-2023, surveys from Rutgers-Eagleton and Monmouth University reflected more polarized views, with approval ratings dropping to 47% and 50%, respectively.

Personal life

Murphy met his future spouse, Tammy Snyder, in 1987 while both were employed at Goldman Sachs; their romantic relationship began six years later. After an engagement just eighteen days post their first date, they married in 1993. Following Senator Bob Menendez’s resignation in August 2024, Tammy briefly entered the race for his Senate seat but later withdrew her candidacy.

The couple has four children and relocated to Middletown Township, New Jersey during the late 1990s. They live on a waterfront estate subject to significant annual property taxes and own additional residences in Germany and Italy. Their children attended Rumson Country Day School and Phillips Academy. Tammy Snyder Murphy has balanced roles in finance, civic engagement, and politics alongside managing family responsibilities.

Together, they hold partial ownership of Gotham FC, a professional women's soccer club that faced criticism in 2018 over inadequate facilities and management issues. Murphy is a practicing Roman Catholic.

In March 2020, Murphy underwent successful surgery to remove malignant tumors from his kidney and subsequently made a full recovery.

He has been honored with honorary degrees from Hamilton College in 2015 and Rutgers University in 2019. In recognition of his contributions, he received the Knight Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 2022.

Wealth

Murphy's involvement with Goldman Sachs during its IPO contributed to his net worth surpassing $50 million. By 2009, his post-Goldman assets were estimated to be in the several hundred million dollar range. In 2016, he disclosed five years of federal tax returns, revealing a 2014 income near $6 million, an effective tax rate close to 34%, and charitable contributions amounting to 24% of his earnings. Over that five-year span, his average yearly donations were roughly $980,000. His federal tax documents frequently exceed 300 pages due to the complexity of his financial holdings.

Civic activities

Murphy has been a board member for various organizations such as the NAACP, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Center for American Progress, 180 Turning Lives Around, and initiatives at the University of Pennsylvania, including the Wharton School. He has also served multiple times as grand marshal of the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Rumson, New Jersey.

Together with his wife, he established 2nd Floor, a helpline for New Jersey teenagers that had managed 700,000 calls by 2015. Between 2004 and 2005, Murphy co-led a national education task force under the Center for American Progress, which issued a report recommending extended school hours and increased learning opportunities.

A soccer aficionado inspired by his experiences in Germany, Murphy has held board positions with the U.S. Soccer Foundation and participated in the U.S. Soccer Federation’s World Cup Bid Committee for 2018 and 2022. He and his wife jointly hold ownership in New Jersey’s professional women’s soccer team, Gotham FC. While recognized as a financially unprofitable enterprise, the club generates $9.3 million in annual revenue and is valued at over $80 million, highlighting its rising commercial importance.

Electoral history

{{Election box candidate with party link|party=Socialist Workers Party (United States)|candidate=Joanne Kuniansky|votes=4,012|percentage=0.15|} }



Further reading

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  18. ↑ Campaign mailer, late May 2016.
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