Governor Phil Murphy today issued his endorsement for Amy Kennedy, candidate for Congress in the 2nd District.

“South Jersey needs strong and compassionate leaders with integrity and commitment to community. As a former public school teacher and mental health advocate, Amy Kennedy is just the type of leader who’ll bring progressive change to South Jersey,” said Murphy. “She understands the importance of making health care more affordable, expanding mental health services, and fixing our broken political system. I’m thrilled to endorse her candidacy and know she’ll be a strong voice for South Jersey in Congress.”

“I am so honored to have the endorsement of Governor Phil Murphy. Time and again Governor Murphy has shown strong and steadfast leadership and has always put the people of New Jersey first. His commitment to environmental protections, justice and education will provide new jobs and opportunities for communities across the state, including here in South Jersey,” said Kennedy. “My family has lived in South Jersey for four generations and I understand the struggles that our families and our communities are facing. As Governor Murphy has demonstrated, leadership matters now more than ever. We need leaders who are committed to serving our community and not themselves. As a member of Congress, I will never forget that I am first and foremost a member of the South Jersey community. It would be a privilege to represent and fight for all the people of South Jersey.”

The governor’s support for Kennedy flies in the face of old foe George Norcross III, whose General Majority PAC stands with Kennedy Democratic Primary opponent Brigid Harrison.  Kennedy criticized the connection today in a statement, shortly before Murphy made clear his support for her canddiacy.

The governor’s endorsement in the 2nd Congressional District landed a day prior to a scheduled 2nd Congressional District debate, sponsored by The William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton University. John Froonjian, executive director of the Hughes Center, will moderate the event slated for Thursday, June 25th at 6 pm. Held on Zoom and livestreamed on YouTube, links to view the debate will be available the day of the debate on the Hughes Center website at stockton.edu/hughes-center, according to a release issued on Wednesday by the Harrison Campaign.

Multiple key allies of Murphy have jumped into the race to stand with South Jersey dems machine-supported candidate Harrison, most notably U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), who has gone as far as jumping off the line in Atlantic County – where Kennedy has the support of the county party organization. U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and his ally, U.S. Rep. Albio Sires (D-8), also back Harrison.

A third candidate, former Booker staffer Will Cunningham, is also running for the seat.

Kennedy has also been endorsed by: Martin Luther King III, Tanzie Youngblood, End Citizens United, Communication Workers of America, New Jersey Education Association, NJ CD 2 Progressive Democrats, South Jersey Progressive Democrats, NJ Working Families Alliance, Equality PAC and Taking the Hill PAC.