Murphy, wife of New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (Democratic), made the announcement. on video Shared by X on Sunday.
“After a busy, exhilarating, and certainly difficult few months, I am suspending my Senate campaign today,” she said in the video.
Mr. Murphy, a former Goldman Sachs financier, ran against many Democratic politicians, including Mr. Kim, in the primary election. Although she has never held elected office, she has held the portfolio as first lady since 2018.
Kim said in a statement that he respects Murphy's decision and looks forward to working with her and the governor. “Tammy and I both agree that it is important to keep this seat and the Senate under Democratic control,” she said. “Unity is essential.”
Menendez announced last week that he would not run as a Democrat, but did not rule out running as an independent. He has faced political difficulties since September, when he was indicted on bribery and other charges while serving as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
The New Jersey Globe, which first reported the news, said Murphy decided to cancel his bid on Saturday after speaking with his family and advisors.
Murphy grew up a Republican and has donated heavily to George W. Bush's presidential campaign, a state whose 21-county political boss has long played a major role in statewide elections. It had the support of many establishment Democrats.
In New Jersey's unique and controversial “line” voting system, Senate and gubernatorial candidates running with party support are placed on a specific part of the ballot known as the “line.” Masu. On the other hand, candidates who run without party support appear lower on the ballot, so voters may be less likely to see their names.
Kim filed a lawsuit against the voting system in February. New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin's office said last week that the system is “unconstitutional” and it will not defend it in court.
The case drew attention to both the state's controversial ballot and Mr. Murphy's status as the establishment's preferred candidate.
Murphy hinted at tensions over the issue in a video announcing the end of the bid.
“Obviously to continue this race would be to run a very divisive and negative campaign, which I don't want to do,” she said. “And with Donald Trump on the ballot and so much at stake for our country, I am not in good conscience going to waste my resources tearing apart my fellow Democrats.”
