Friend,

As my time serving as New Jersey’s Governor comes to a close today, my final message can be summed up in two words: Thank you.

Thank you for allowing me to serve the nine and a half million New Jerseyans who call our state home.

Thank you for standing together in the face of every challenge.

And thank you for joining me in this journey to ensure we leave our children a state that is stronger and fairer than ever before.

Since day one of our administration, we were who we said we’d be. We’ve built the strongest economy in the Northeast, fully funded public education for the first time in history, helped restore trust in New Jersey’s criminal justice system through efforts like our groundbreaking clemency initiative, and so much more.

We built a state filled with opportunity for all — and it is because of everything we’ve achieved together that New Jersey is far more prepared to own the future.

I have never been more confident about New Jersey’s future than I am today. As I prepare to leave the State House for the last time, I must acknowledge that we mark the beginning of a truly iconic era for our state.

I have the privilege of handing the reins to Governor Mikie Sherrill and her right-hand man, Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell. Mikie is tough and smart and has devoted her life to serving our nation. With Mikie and Dale, I know New Jersey is in extraordinarily capable hands.

This summer, New Jersey will take center stage as we commemorate America’s 250th birthday and welcome the world to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The world will see what we have always known to be true: New Jersey is where the American Dream was born — and it is where the American Dream lives on.

From the bottom of my heart — thank you. Serving as Governor of New Jersey has been the honor and privilege of a lifetime.

Until next time,

Phil