What Comes Next for Gov.-elect Murphy

Now that the election is in the books and Phil Murphy is the Governor-elect, it’s time to look at what comes next and how it may affect the business community.

The two-month long transition process between now and the swearing-in ceremony in January will give Murphy and Lt. Governor-elect Sheila Oliver time to choose cabinet members and staff, and begin formulating a policy agenda for when they officially take office.

Murphy signaled that he would take an inclusive approach to governing; in his election-night speech, he declared “the days of division are over.”

NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka said NJBIA would be there to contribute.

“NJBIA is committed to working with Governor-elect Murphy and his staff on issues and policies most impacting New Jersey businesses and residents, including affordability, economic development and taxation, and regional competitiveness,” she said in a written statement today. (Read it here.)

NJBIA has prepared a detailed analysis of business issues confronting the new administration and legislature and will be presenting it to the Governor-elect during the transition.

In the meantime, the news website ROI-NJ has completed an analysis on what Murphy has said to the business community, Election 2017: Murphy addresses business community after win, and Politico-New Jersey has analyzed, Tax policy under Gov.-elect Murphy: What we know (subscription required).

Need more?  Join us tomorrow for Live from the State Capitol election webinar

ELECTION RESULTS: Murphy-Oliver Win Decisively, Democrats Pull Upset in 11^th District Senate

Democrat Phil Murphy scored a decisive victory over Republican Kim Guadagno to become New Jersey’s next governor, topping the sitting lieutenant governor 55 percent to 43 percent. He will be joined by Assemblywoman Sheila Oliver, who will be the second lieutenant governor in state history.

Murphy, a former ambassador to Germany and executive at Goldman Sachs investment bank, declared the days of divisive politics over.

“It will not be easy, and it certainly will not be overnight, but let there be no doubt: Starting here, starting now, starting with us, New Jersey is coming back,” he told a cheering crowd at his election headquarters in Asbury Park.

NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka said NJBIA was looking forward to working with the new governor.

“NJBIA is committed to working with Governor-elect Murphy and his staff on issues and policies most impacting New Jersey businesses and residents, including affordability, economic development and taxation, and regional competitiveness,” Siekerka said. “We look forward to having a seat at the table with the new governor to problem solve these issues and advance policies and actions that will build a more prosperous state; one where businesses can grow and sustain, and where people want to live, work and raise their families.”

In legislative races, Democrats largely held their own. Democrat Vin Gopal defeated veteran Republican Senator Jennifer Beck 53 percent to 47 percent in the 11^th district, while Republican Assemblyman Chris Brown defeated Democrat Colin Bell for Senate 56 percent to 44 percent in Atlantic County’s 2^nd district. Brown will take the seat held by Democrat Jim Whelan for the Republican’s lone pickup of the night.

In the 3^rd district, Senate President Steve Sweeney fended off an attack from Republican Fran Grenier that was fueled largely with independent spending by the NJ Education Association (NJEA). The state’s largest teachers union targeted Democrat Sweeney over public employee pension reform in a race that will almost certainly break all spending records and could reach the $20 million mark.

In the end, however, Sweeney won with 59 percent of the vote.

Two statewide ballot questions also passed handily. Question 1 on library funding bonds received 60 percent of the vote and Question 2 to allot contamination damages received 69 percent.

Below are the unofficial vote totals for Governor and notable legislative races as reported by nj.com.