The Republican nominee pulled off an unlikely primary victory despite reporting a negative campaign balance of -$24
Justin Murphy, an attorney and former Senate candidate, has secured the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in New Jersey, setting up a November contest against popular incumbent Democratic Sen. Cory Booker.
Murphy won Tuesday’s Republican primary, defeating three opponents despite entering the race with a campaign account that reportedly held a negative balance of $24, according to federal campaign finance filings cited by The Hill. Murphy’s surprising victory now places him opposite Booker, the two-term Democratic senator who ran unopposed in his party’s primary and remains one of the most prominent political figures in the state.
Despite clinching victory with just more than 33% of the vote, Murphy is seen as a significant underdog heading into the general election — New Jersey has not elected a Republican to the U.S. Senate since 1972. Plus, Booker has substantial name recognition, a robust fundraising operation, and a strong advantage among Democratic voters statewide. Records show that the incumbent also has more than $22 million in cash on hand, reports Politico.
Murphy faces a steep uphill battle during the midterm elections since about 38% of registered voters in the Garden State are Democrats, while only 25% are Republicans. Thirty-six percent remain unaffiliated.
RELATED CONTENT: Senator Cory Booker’s 25-Hour Marathon Speech Is One For Record Books
Source: Black Enterprise
