Andy Kim defeats Tammy Murphy at Monmouth Democratic convention

Rep. Andy Kim emerged victorious over First Lady Tammy Murphy in a 3 to 2 margin at the Monmouth County Democratic convention, earning the spot directly under President Joe Biden on the primary election ballot.

The outcome of this vote is deemed consequential as it could provide Kim with a strategic advantage on the ballot in New Jersey’s Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate to replace indicted Sen. Bob Menendez.

The convention, held in Long Branch, saw hundreds of local party leaders and elected officials in attendance. Kim secured 265 votes, while Murphy trailed behind with 181 votes, resulting in a margin of 57% to 39%.

Out of the 800 qualified delegates entitled to vote, only 466 participated and cast their ballots, underscoring the significance of participation in the democratic process.

The result of the convention was not unexpected, as Kim prevailed over Murphy in a straw poll conducted among Monmouth Democratic leaders in December, by a vote of 29 to 13, with 13 individuals remaining undecided.

Murphy and her husband, Gov. Phil Murphy, live in a $9.5 million mansion on the banks of the Navesink River, in the wealthiest section of Monmouth County, when they are not at their 23-room villa in Parrano, a small, medieval village in the Umbria region of Italy, or in Germany, where they own another home in Berlin.

Democratic Senate candidate Patricia Campos-Medina appeared at the convention, garnering 20 votes. One contender, former Newark school board member Lawrence Hamm, opted not to participate.

Hamm stands out as the sole Democrat in the Senate race who has vocally opposed an unfair arrangement of ballots that favors candidates selected by party elites and acted accordingly.

Kim and Murphy have both raised millions of dollars for their respective efforts. Campos-Medina boasts a six-figure income and is anticipated to secure at least $1 million in donations.

However, Hamm distinguishes himself as the only contender in the 2024 race who supported progressive Lisa McCormick when she challenged corrupt incumbent Bob Menendez during the 2018 Democratic Senate primary.

Campos-Medina and Murphy each donated at least $2500 to Menendez in 2018, while Kim was the corrupt lawmaker’s running mate in the Third Congressional District.

Assemblyman Herb Conaway won the Monmouth County Democratic convention in a landslide 76-13, which means his congressional candidacy against Assemblywoman Carol Murphy will get a better spot on the ballot.

The two Democrats represent the same district in the state Assembly and they are seeking the seat being vacated by Kim.

Rep. Frank Pallone, and 4th district challenger Matt Jenkins also got the Monmouth Democratic line.

Jenkins, a Colts Neck resident and the owner of a general contracting business, lost two-to-one in New Jersey’s most Republican congressional district but he is preparing for a rematch against GOP Rep. Chris Smith, New Jersey’s longest-serving representative in history.

Smith took office the same day as Hal Rogers, a Republican from Kentucky who is recognized as the dean of the United States House of Representatives, or the longest continuously serving member of the chamber in a symbolic post whose only customary duty is to swear in a speaker.

Pallone has represented New Jersey’s 6th congressional district since 1988.