Justin Murphy Will Take On Cory Booker In NJ’s Senate Election

After a somewhat back-and-forth primary election Tuesday night, self-employed attorney Justin Murphy beat out three other Republican candidates for the nomination.

Murphy came out on top with 33.3 percent of the votes, or 80,013. Following behind him were Richard Tabor with 70,207 votes, Alex Zdan with 64,536 votes, and Robert S. Lebovics with 25,561.

Related: GOP Picks Candidate To Challenge Booker In November, AP Says

“Honored and privileged to be the Republican Party's nominee for United States Senate,” Murphy posted on social media. “This primary victory would not have been possible without your dedication to our campaign. Your help, donations, work, and prayers will always be cherished. Thank you for taking on the task with me of winning.”

Murphy unsuccessfully ran for Senate in 2024, when he came third in the primaries.

According to the Federal Elections Commission, Murphy had -$24 in his campaign account during this race, but still came out on top. For comparison, Booker, who ran unopposed, had $3 million on hand.

Murphy, other than being an attorney, is a veteran of the Navy who previously served as the Deputy Mayor of Tabernacle in Burlington County.

His platform highlights parental rights, “medical freedom,” conservative cultural issues, protecting the Pinelands and Jersey Shore, and improving Medicare for seniors.

Specifically, some of Murphy’s ambitions, if elected, include abolishing the Internal Revenue Code and enacting a Flat-Tax rate of 10% – 12%, abolishing the Federal Department of Education, and supporting the expansion of nuclear power in the U.S.

Murphy has also expressed opposition to tax dollars funding abortion, the establishment of sanctuary cities, and the repression of Second Amendment Rights.

Booker, who has been a Senator in New Jersey for more than 12 years, is once again up for reelection this year. Booker had no primary opponent, meaning he’s guaranteed the Democratic nomination in this Primary Election.

Despite Tuesday’s win, Murphy is still an underdog for the General Election. A Republican hasn’t taken a seat in the Senate in the Garden State since 1972.

Murphy will be delivering his Primary Victory Address at Carla’s Classic Cars in Shamong, Burlington County, on Saturday at 7 p.m.