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Fulop announced he is switching his endorsement to Rep. Andy Kim, saying he made a mistake in endorsing Murphy, the wife of Gov. Phil Murphy.
"Clearly I made one here and this convention season has demonstrated he is the better candidate to represent NJ," Fulop, who is running for governor in 2025 said. "The backbone of our party volunteers and activists have spoken loudly and we should listen to them."
The Jersey City mayor initially endorsed Murphy last year, but said on Reporters Roundtable on Friday, March 15, he was not enamored with how she has run her campaign.
"There's a lot of things they have put forward I don't agree with on a policy standpoint," Fulop said. "I do feel the campaign has not made a compelling case around her candidacy."
At the heart of Fulop's grievance is Murphy's continued support for New Jersey's "line" system, which groups all candidates endorsed by the party in a favorable spot on the ballot.
"This campaign has become a catalyst for the backbone of the Democratic Party to be saying loud and clear things need to change in New Jersey," Fulop said. "I agree with them. I don't think it's in the state's best interest for Tammy to continue her campaign."
Kim has filed a lawsuit seeking to abolish the line. Matthew Platkin, the state attorney general, called the line "unconstitutional" in a legal filing and he would not defend it.
Kim said he welcomed Fulop's support.
"Let’s leave the politics out and let people vote their conscience," Kim said on Twitter. "Let the people decide who is best prepared and ready to represent NJ.
Murphy and Kim are running to replace embattled Sen. Bob Mendendez, who is currently battling federal corruption charges. Menendez has yet to say whether he is running for re-election for a third term.
An e-mail has been sent to the Murphy campaign requesting comment.
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