Phil Murphy's Time in Office: A Mixed Bag

Phil Murphy stepped into the governor's role with big promises and a lot of money behind him. But after eight years, what does he leave behind?

A Calm and Competent Vibe

Unlike his predecessor, Chris Christie, Murphy wasn't as flashy or controversial. Instead, he brought a calm and competent vibe, which was a breath of fresh air for many.

Challenges and Controversies

His time in office wasn't all smooth sailing. He faced several challenges:

• Handling sexual assault claims in his office
• Managing state's nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic
• Backing his wife for a Senate seat, which didn't go well

These issues hurt his popularity but didn't blow up into huge scandals like Bridgegate.

Political Shifts and Second Term

Murphy won his second term by a narrow margin. His close call pushed the Democratic Party to focus more on making life more affordable for people. He also shook up the political scene when Andy Kim challenged the usual way things were done, leading to Tammy Murphy stepping back from her Senate run.

Unfulfilled Promises and Achievements

Murphy had his eyes on bigger political stages but never quite made it there. His big campaign promises, like free community college and universal child care, didn't happen. However, he did legalize recreational marijuana, so there's that.

Next time you smell weed in your apartment, you'll know who to thank—or blame.