| | | |  | | By Matt Friedman | Presented by Working New Jersey | It’s hard to make a dent in the national news cycle right now, but Gov. Phil Murphy managed to do it Monday when conservative media highlighted a clip of him seemingly admitting to harboring an undocumented immigrant above his home’s garage in Middletown. The remark came during an event with Blue Wave NJ at Montclair State. The context was protecting groups targeted by the Trump administration, especially trans people. "This isn’t a trans case, but Tammy and I were talking about — I don’t want to get into too much detail — but there's someone in our broader universe whose immigration status is not yet at the point that they are trying to get it to, and we said, ‘You know what, let’s have her live at our house above our garage, and good luck to the feds coming in to try to get her.’” Murphy said. The Fox News chyron read: “NJ GOV. MURPHY: HARBORING MIGRANT IN HIS HOME” So of course I reached out to the governor on this. Murphy spokesperson Mahen Gunaratna told me that the governor was recounting a discussion with First Lady Tammy Murphy about someone “in their orbit” who’s a legal resident but was concerned. And the person never moved in — in fact, Gunaratna said, the governor and first lady never actually extended the offer. Frankly, Murphy’s quote did sound like he was harboring someone in the country illegally, even if he did not outright state it. It did not come across at first blush as a hypothetical situation he discussed with his wife. This isn’t the first time Murphy has talked about daring ICE to do something. The day after the election, he told reporters that during the first Trump term, he traveled to an area “at risk” for ICE raids with his security detail and “just hung out there.” “Whether that scared them off, I don’t know, but it gives you a sense that we’re willing to try anything if it’s contrary to our values.” Here’s my sense of it: Murphy parsed his words in a way that he did not admit anything but strongly suggested it. I can only guess whether he intended the remark to boost his credibility with the progressives he was speaking to or if it was intended for wider consumption. If Murphy actually were harboring someone, he would have put her at much greater risk for deportation by using his bully pulpit to talk about it. Or, as someone suggested to me, maybe that's the plan? WHERE’S MURPHY? No public schedule HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Eric Brophy, Brian Shott, Nicole Ristagno QUOTE OF THE DAY: “We disrupted New Jersey politics. We showed that you can be a disrupter in a different way than Donald Trump was a disrupter. But no doubt, people want disruptions.” — Sen. Andy Kim to The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jonathan Tamari TIPS? FEEDBACK? Email me at mfriedman@politico.com
| | | | A message from Working New Jersey: Sean Spiller has a proven track record of defending our progressive values. As Montclair Mayor, he capped rent increases. As the President of NJEA, he won a pay raise for educators. New Jersey needs a Governor who will take action for every working family – and Sean Spiller will do it. Support Sean Spiller for Governor. | | | |  | WHAT TRENTON MADE | | EXPECT ROBUST TRUMP ADMINISTRATION WHALE PROTECTION INITIATIVES — New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration gives up on new offshore wind, by POLITICO’s Ry Rivard: New Jersey will not provide financial backing to new offshore wind projects, Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration announced Monday. The decision blows a hole in his environmental agenda and legacy and effectively dooms Atlantic Shores, a project off the coast of Atlantic City that has been the focus of opposition from President Donald Trump and Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.). Murphy, a term-limited Democrat, took office in 2018 hoping offshore wind projects would be a perfect issue to unite a liberal coalition and ensure his legacy by providing clean energy to fight climate change and mega projects to employ union workers. Instead, the industry is in tatters and Murphy will leave office without a single wind turbine in the water. In a statement, the governor called the industry a “once-in-a-generation opportunity to create tens of thousands of jobs, drive an entirely new manufacturing supply chain, and secure energy independence,” but he acknowledged the realities facing it. He said the “offshore wind industry is currently facing significant challenges, and now is the time for patience and prudence.” LOWER EMPLOYMENT ALLOWAYS CREEK — “New Jersey Wind Port project undergoing ‘strategic review’,” by NJBIZ: “In another potential blow to the offshore wind sector, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) announced it will review and explore other potential uses of the New Jersey Wind Port project in South Jersey. Proponents had touted the development on the eastern shore of the Delaware River in Lower Alloways Creek, Salem County, as the nation’s first greenfield port designed, built and operated exclusively to support offshore wind projects. The work expected to establish a major infrastructure hub for the sector broadly, as well as create jobs in South Jersey.”
| | | | We’ve re-imagined and expanded our Inside Congress newsletter to give you unmatched reporting on Capitol Hill politics and policy -- and we'll get it to your inbox even earlier. Subscribe today. | | | | | FOR THE PEOPLE — It’s now harder to run for office in New Jersey, by POLITICO’s Matt Friedman: It’s now harder to get on the ballot in New Jersey. Gov. Phil Murphy on Monday signed a controversial measure to increase petition signature requirements to get on the ballot for virtually all elected offices in New Jersey, his office announced. Murphy’s office did not offer comment on the measure, A5117, which gained final passage in the Legislature on Thursday. POU MINUS O — “Hudson County prepares for war in three Assembly districts, Sheriff’s race,” by New Jersey Globe’s David Wildstein: “Hudson County is bracing for several intense down-ballot primary fights in June between candidates backed by the county Democratic organization and those allied with gubernatorial candidate Steve Fulop. … In the 32nd legislative district, the organization appears ready to support Jenny Pu, the director of the Hoboken Public Library and a PTA president and community activist in Jersey City, and Crystal Fonseca, a manager at the Jersey City Department of Public Safety and a former Newark school board member. Assemblywoman Jessica Ramirez (D-Jersey City), seeking a second term, will run with Fulop. … Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla (D-Hoboken) is seeking an Assembly seat; so is Katie Brennan, a former chief of staff at the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency. It’s not clear who they will run with, if anyone. … In the 31st district, Assemblywoman Barbara McCann Stamato (D-Jersey City), won’t have organization backing for a second term; she’ll run with Fulop. Instead, Hudson County Commissioner Jerry Walker of Jersey City will team up with Assemblyman William Sampson (D-Bayonne) as the organization-backed candidates. … In the race for Hudson County Sheriff, Bayonne Mayor Jimmy Davis is preparing to launch a primary challenge to incumbent Frank Schillari. “ UNCONVENTIONAL — Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Spadea plans to skip every county party nominating convention in the wake of the county line’s demise. “, “If Republicans want to win again in New Jersey we need to stop using the old playbook and recognize the new reality. Like President Trump did nationally, Republicans in New Jersey need to go to where voters are, expand the tent and bring new voters into the party. We’re proud to be leading the way and doing just that,” Spadea said in a statement. —Snowflack: “A new GOP race for governor” —Murphy says he would have immigrant at his house —“GOP continues voter registration gains; democrats lose registrants in January” —“First Amendment doesn’t excuse insubordination, Jersey City says in bid to end ex-staffer’s lawsuit” —“NJ residents could lose access to medical care soon amid hospital, insurance stalemate” —“Push for speedy revamp of NJ school funding formula” —“Chronic absenteeism in NJ schools gets lawmakers’ attention” —“Another Republican joins race to succeed DiMaio in assembly”
| | | | A message from Working New Jersey:  
| | | | | TRUMP ERA | | NOBODY MAKES USE OF A LOBBY LIKE ANDY KIM — “Rumors are swirling about USAID’s future. One Democratic senator went to find answers,” by NOTUS’ Katherine Swartz: “With rumors spiking in Washington that President Donald Trump is about to radically reshape the U.S. Agency for International Development, Democrats in the Capital are scrambling to figure out how to respond. One senator went there directly: On Monday morning, Sen. Andy Kim tried to get inside the agency to meet with its acting administrator, Jason Gray. After less than 10 minutes in the lobby and in the presence of four security officials, Kim was told he could not meet with Gray or any member of his staff. ‘It wasn’t what I was hoping for, but frankly, it was what I expected,”’ Kim said while walking out of the building. Kim’s visit came just moments before Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced he is now acting administrator of USAID. Kim’s first position with the federal government was in that building as an intern for USAID’s Africa Bureau in 2004. He took the Federal Center metro and walked into that same lobby every day. Now a first-term senator, Kim came back on Monday looking for answers on the future of the agency tasked with dispensing billions of dollars around the world for humanitarian purposes like alleviating poverty, responding to disasters and strengthening democracy abroad.” LIVIN’ ON THE EDGE — “Immigration enforcement has many in NJ on edge. Can Murphy hold back Trump?” by The Record’s Charles Stile: “[F]ear of Trump — and the growing public support for deportation that propelled his victory in November — now has immigrant advocates pushing Murphy to back up his fiery words with action. They have rallied around stalled legislation that would convert his administration’s 2018 Immigrant Trust Directive into a state law. … ‘We're safe under Governor Murphy. We don’t know what we’re getting next,’ noted Christian Estevez, founder of the Latino Action Network. … That anxiety was heightened last month, when former Senate President Steve Sweeney, the Gloucester County Democrat running for governor, vowed to “repeal New Jersey’s sanctuary state status," a reference to the 2018 directive. …. But despite the growing fear of Trump’s promised crackdown — amplified late last month with startling raids in Newark and Vineland — Murphy does not appear eager to take the step of codifying the 2018 policy directive into a more permanent law. In a meeting with the NorthJersey.com and USA TODAY Network New Jersey editorial board last week, the governor said the original guidelines are ‘sturdy’ and ‘have worked’ and that he’s ‘not inclined to do a whole lot of messing’ with it.”
| | | | A new era in Washington calls for sharper insights. Get faster policy scoops, more congressional coverage, and a re-imagined newsletter under the leadership of Jack Blanchard. Subscribe to our Playbook Newsletter today. | | | | | —“McIver, Watson Coleman, & Menendez make surprise visit to ICE detention center” —“We cannot let Trenton set back workers and businesses in NJ's gig economy | Opinion” | | LOCAL | |
CAPE FEAR — “Reaction to federal officers in Wildwood shows community immigration concerns,” by The Press of Atlantic City’s Bill Barlow: “A trickle of comments soon grew into a torrent on social media in English and Spanish at the sight of vehicles from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Thursday. ICE officials, and sheriffs from throughout the state, were in town in force, but not for a raid. They were there to see Cape May County Sheriff Bob Nolan be sworn in as the new president of the Sheriffs Association of New Jersey. Nolan has been closely connected with ICE, fighting New Jersey’s attorney general to keep a program in place in the county jail even as the state told him to cut ties to the federal agency that leads immigration enforcement. In a Friday interview in his office, Nolan said he was not happy with how things went. Staff members have told him some businesses shut their doors and some parents took their children out of school as word spread of ICE being spotted in the community. ‘I didn’t want them to disrupt the people; these poor mothers taking kids out of school. That was horrible,’ Nolan said. ‘It’s all from social media.’”
PASSAIC COUNTY — “Should county worker be punished for running in Passaic County sheriff race?” by The Paterson Press’ Joe Malinconico: “The losing candidate in this past November’s Passaic County sheriff’s election faces disciplinary charges from her employer, the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, for allegedly violating a prohibition against political activity by certain employees. The candidate, Marla Saracino … submitted a retirement letter, saying she would use up various types of leave time for about a year, staying on the prosecutor’s payroll before she would retire effective Feb. 1, 2025. … In an under-the-radar battle, the Prosecutor’s Office warned Saracino last May that her job precluded her from running for elected office, asserting that the prohibition applied to her even though she was in the process of retiring. … But the matter dragged on, and Saracino hit the campaign trail in the summer. Three days after losing the November election, Saracino was given notice of impending disciplinary action, [Saracino attorney Michael] DeMarco said.”
| | | | A message from Working New Jersey: Sean Spiller has a proven track record of defending our progressive values. A former educator and son of immigrants, he knows what working families need. That's why, as Montclair Mayor, he capped rent increases to make housing more affordable. And as the President of NJEA, he won a pay raise for educators. New Jersey needs a Governor who will take action for every working family – and Sean Spiller will do it. Support Sean Spiller for Governor. | | | NEW SOURCE OF FISH HEADS TO SEND TO YOUR POLITICAL ENEMIES — “Abandoned concrete platforms near Camden’s Waterfront are being reborn as a fishing pier,” by The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Kevin Riordan: “All that remains of the unbuilt aerial tramway to connect Camden and Philadelphia is a cluster of concrete platforms just offshore on the Jersey side of the Delaware. But a fishing pier built atop the platforms and connected to Camden’s Waterfront parks and promenade system is expected to open soon. … ‘A fishing pier is a good reuse of something that has been sitting there not doing anything,’ said Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen. ‘It makes a statement that the waterfront belongs to us.’” — “EPA investigates Warren County PFAS hot spot” —“Appellate judge orders Ramapo Indian Hills school board to turn over personal email log” —“Smelly, repeatedly fined [Atlantic County] landfill may be expanding” —“Holmdel: NJ overcalculated how much affordable housing must be built in our town” —“Ocean County commissioner pushes for expansion of Vo-Tech for future EMTs and firefighters” —“West Long Branch patrolman trudges through icy water to save 11-year-old boy” | | EVERYTHING ELSE | |
THE BATES WAREHOUSE — “After NJ warehouse building boom, there's now a growing vacancy issue,” by The Record’s Daniel Munoz: “New Jersey warehouse vacancy rates in 2024 reached their highest levels in more than a decade, caused by a surge in new construction, combined with the economic uncertainty over the impact of President Donald Trump's decision over the weekend to impose tariffs on imported goods from Canada, Mexico and China — and a return to pre-COVID warehousing levels. The real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield said in an early January report that the warehouse vacancy rate in northern and central New Jersey for the end of 2024 was 9%, the highest since the first quarter of 2013. The firm noted a ‘surge in new supply’ of 13.1 million square feet of ‘mostly vacant’ warehouse space.”
—“Cops capture N.J. sex offender who escaped from medical transport” —“New Jersey’s oldest bus company to close after 155 years”
| | | | Follow us on Twitter | | | | Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook | Playbook PM | California Playbook | Florida Playbook | Illinois Playbook | Massachusetts Playbook | New Jersey Playbook | New York Playbook | Ottawa Playbook | Brussels Playbook | London Playbook View all our political and policy newsletters | | Follow us | | | |
