Phil Murphy
Phil Murphy
2028 Democratic presidential nominee
$162.2M
NOV 7, 2028Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleFormer Governor
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyProgressive Democrat
Age68 years old (Aug 16, 1957)
GenderMale
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LocationNew Jersey
BackgroundPolitician
EducationHarvard University (A.B.)
Notable personal detailsPhilip Dunton “Phil” Murphy is an American politician, financier, and former diplomat who served as the 56th governor of New Jersey (2018–2026). Before serving as governor, he spent over two decades at Goldman Sachs and later served as U.S. Ambassador to Germany (2009–2013). He is a graduate of Harvard University and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
SourcesShowHide
Positions
Economy & Taxes
Supports raising taxes on high-income earners (including advocating a "millionaire’s tax" raising rates on income above $1 million) while expanding targeted tax relief and spending for middle-class families, property tax relief, education, and social programs. Has proposed and enacted tax/fee changes to fund budget increases for education, infrastructure, and affordability programs.
Healthcare
Phil Murphy supports strengthening and expanding access to health care through state-level actions that protect and build on the Affordable Care Act, preserve and fund Medicaid (NJ FamilyCare), expand affordability measures (including medical debt relief), and create state infrastructure to improve public health and access to services.
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Immigration & Border
Supports protections for immigrants and limits on state and local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement while defending access to asylum and opposing harsh family-separation policies. Has directed state policy to restrict local law enforcement participation in ICE operations and signed state-level “safe zone” protections for hospitals, schools, and places of worship.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Supports codifying and protecting the right to reproductive choice and expanding access to reproductive health care in New Jersey, including protections for patients and providers and measures to secure contraception access.
Climate & Energy
Phil Murphy has pursued aggressive state climate and clean-energy policies as Governor, including executive orders and an Energy Master Plan targeting 100% clean electricity and major electrification goals. His administration set accelerated targets for offshore wind, building and vehicle electrification, and implemented regulatory and funding actions to reduce emissions and expand renewables and energy storage. These actions position New Jersey for rapid decarbonization and large clean-energy investment under his leadership.
Public Safety & Guns
The candidate supports significant gun safety measures including expanded background checks, extreme risk protection (red flag) laws, limits on magazine capacity, bans on ghost guns and certain high-powered weapons, strengthened concealed-carry restrictions, and new penalties targeting gun trafficking. The candidate has signed and promoted multiple state laws and proposals aimed at tightening firearm regulations and reducing gun violence.
News
Phil Murphy is being mentioned mainly in the context of broader Democratic debates heading into the 2026 midterms and the 2028 presidential race. Recent coverage focuses on party divisions over Israel and Gaza, along with other issues Democrats may use to shape their strategy. There are also signs that Democrats are positioning for a stronger 2026 cycle, but the reports do not describe any specific new move by Murphy himself.
Democrats will spend millions to shift voter registration strategy
Inside Democrats’ Brewing Debate Over Which States Should Vote First in 2028
Governor, you won’t get my primary vote without real climate action | PennLive letters
New York sweep by Israel critics shines light on issue for Democrats
Endorsements
Endorsers of Phil Murphy for 2028 Democratic presidential nominee
Barack Obama
Elected official
Barack Obama endorsed Phil Murphy's Democratic campaign for governor of New Jersey.
Tammy Murphy
Elected official
Tammy Murphy endorsed Phil Murphy's campaign for New Jersey governor.
Mikie Sherrill
Political organization
Mikie Sherrill endorsed Phil Murphy's gubernatorial campaign.
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls
- Fundraising