Tammy Murphy, wife of New Jersey Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy, could become the state's first female senator

The former Republican turned Democrat is seeking to unseat Sen. Bob Menendez following his recent scandals.

She’s a former Republican from Virginia. And she could be New Jersey’s first female senator. - POLITICO https://t.co/CCB8SJKnkL

— Sean Gardner Turner ProChoice Vote Blue Wear AMask (@Allareblessed2) November 19, 2023

The situation

"The wealthy former Republican has spent the last six years helping lead New Jersey, benefiting greatly from her profile with a fraction of the scrutiny her husband receives," Politico reported.

"Now she’s using her perch to leverage the state’s unique and increasingly condemned political boss system that all-but elects candidates before voters have a say," it added.

NJ First Lady Tammy Murphy running to replace Bob Menendez in Senate https://t.co/vgMwPfZSf2 pic.twitter.com/q4EOcyVuyA

— New York Post (@nypost) November 15, 2023

The announcement

“Right now, Washington is filled with too many people more interested in getting rich or getting on camera than getting things done for you,” Murphy said in her campaign launch video.

“I am so proud of everything we’ve accomplished, but I know there’s a lot more to do. And that’s why I’m announcing this: I’m running for the United States Senate because we owe it to our kids to do better,” she continued.

NJ's Democratic primaries are heating up -- as two well-known Dem. candidates, that state's first lady Tammy Murphy and Rep. Andy Kim, are mounting primary challenges to longtime Dem. Sen. Bob Menendez, who faces an indictment and calls to resign. https://t.co/F0imYvrGfz

— World News Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) November 17, 2023

Trouble for Menendez

"An indictment in late September accused Menendez and his wife of accepting hundreds of thousands of dollars of bribes," ABC News reported.

"Prosecutors filed a superseding indictment on Oct. 12 accusing Menendez of conspiring with his wife and businessman Wael Hana to have the senator act as an agent of Egypt. Menendez has pleaded not guilty," it noted.

While Tammy Murphy has served in banking and finance, she has not previously held public office.

The issue may not matter for many voters, however, who see her in association with her role as first lady of New Jersey alongside her husband.

Democratic Rep. Andy Kim has also announced a run for the seat currently held by Menendez, offering at least one additional challenger in what could become the state's most expensive Senate campaign.

The battle is now heating up, with Menendez facing serious competition in his effort to retain his Senate seat.