Governor Rejects Presidential Run
Outgoing New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, a Democrat, says he has not completely ruled out a run for president in 2028 — but he is also not signaling any immediate plans to enter the race.
During a Sunday interview on ABC News, Murphy said a future campaign remains possible, though he cautioned against expecting one anytime soon.
“I haven’t taken anything off the table,” Murphy said. “But I wouldn’t put a lot of money on it. We’re going to take some time away, step back from politics, and then see what comes next.”
Murphy leaves office after serving two terms as governor, becoming the first Democrat since the early 1980s to win reelection in New Jersey. However, his tenure was marked by uneven public support and growing voter frustration.
An Emerson College Polling survey released in October found Murphy’s job approval rating at just 35 percent — a figure that ranked below President Donald Trump’s approval at the time, despite New Jersey’s long-standing Democratic lean.
Mixed Approval and Narrow Victories Raise Questions
Murphy’s 2021 reelection victory was far closer than Democrats expected, signaling potential trouble for the party in a state once considered safely blue. In the 2024 presidential race, Democrats again saw warning signs when their margin over President Trump narrowed significantly.
Those results have fueled renewed debate over the Democratic Party’s direction heading into the next election cycle.
Murphy will be succeeded by Democrat Mikie Sherrill, a former member of Congress who defeated Republican Jack Ciattarelli in November. Sherrill resigned her House seat shortly after the election to begin preparing for the transition.
Democrats Begin Positioning for 2028
Murphy’s comments come as Democratic leaders quietly begin lining up potential contenders for 2028. California Governor Gavin Newsom is already being discussed as an early frontrunner, drawing attention for his public clashes with President Trump and his aggressive efforts to redraw California’s congressional map to benefit Democrats.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris has also been mentioned as a possible candidate, though party insiders remain divided about who could energize voters nationally.
Meanwhile, Republicans have continued to make inroads in New Jersey, raising questions about whether long-term political trends are beginning to shift.
Sherrill Signals Policy Focus Going Forward
Governor-elect Sherrill has outlined priorities that include lowering utility costs, increasing online safety protections for minors, and maintaining oversight of the Trump administration.
As Democrats look ahead to 2028, Murphy’s cautious remarks reflect broader uncertainty within the party — and highlight ongoing debates over leadership, policy direction, and voter trust.
