Democrat,

On Saturday, we were finally able to offer our heartfelt congratulations to President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on an historic victory for our country. The United States has elected a President who will lead with moral courage, personal conviction, and facts, along with a Vice President who is blazing new paths filled with greater possibilities, especially for women and people of color. 

This is a time for celebration, but it’s also clear that there is a tremendous amount of work to be done, and I cannot wait to start collaborating with the new administration. That’s why I wanted to share with you some details about what the Biden-Harris victory means for New Jersey. 

First, on COVID-19 -- it is no exaggeration to say that changing the way our country approaches this ongoing pandemic will save lives. Already today, the President-elect announced his administration’s COVID-19 Transition Advisory Board which consists of 13 nationally-recognized public health experts. As our state faces increased cases and we take new steps to stop the spread of the virus, it is a tremendous relief to know that the new administration will be guided by science and data, just as we are here in New Jersey. 

Additionally, there are many long-term priorities for our state that have been stalled under the Trump Administration that now will hopefully move forward. I cannot wait to work with the Biden-Harris Administration on completing the Gateway Tunnel project, passing a stimulus bill with state and local aid, protecting and building on the Affordable Care Act, and restoring the SALT deduction. The Biden-Harris Administration will be an incredible opportunity for New Jersey, and for our country, to finish much of our critical unfinished business.

More than any one specific policy area, I look forward to honor and honesty being restored to the Presidency with Joe Biden’s victory. May we never turn back.    

None of this would be possible were it not for the thousands upon thousands of New Jerseyans who stood up and fought for our values over the past four years, many of whom engaged in politics for the first time in their lives. Together, we've helped stem the tide of destructive policies and actions that came at us from Washington. I hope to see all of you stay in the fight, and continue the inspiring activism and community organizing these past four years have inspired.

Thank you, 
 

Governor Phil Murphy