USA Today, Asbury Park Press Endorse Phil Murphy for Governor

Phil Stilton

NEPTUNE, NJ – The editorial boards for the Asbury Park Press and USA Today have both endorsed Democrat Phil Murphy for Governor of New Jersey in the 2021 election. This is the second major media endorsement for the governor. Last week, the New York Daily News endorsed Murphy.

Murphy’s campaign did not comment on the endorsement but sent a press release highlighting the national media conglomerate’s decision to endorse their candidate.

The Asbury Park Press applauded Murphy’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and his executive orders that force masking in public schools and mandatory vaccinations.

“We believe masks are essential to preserving the safety of our youngest children until they, too, are eligible for safe and effective vaccination against COVID-19,” the editorial board declared.


“COVID-19 remains the most pressing challenge facing New Jersey and the nation and we believe the ongoing effort to combat and stem the pandemic must remain the top priority for our elected leaders in the new year and beyond. Our elected officials, some hardened by battles already waged against COVID-19 and some who will come to office with new ideas and strategies, will be charged with helping New Jersey emerge into a new reality — one in which the coronavirus emerges as endemic,” the editorial board said.

The board also recognized the Murphy administration’s deflection and lack of accountability for the nursing home scandal that potentially lead to the deaths of thousands of senior citizens, including 81 heroes at state run veterans homes.

The board also criticized Jack Ciattarelli’s support for the policies of former President Donald J. Trump.

“We commend Ciattarelli for having the fortitude to pursue a candidacy in a state where Democrats enjoy an increasingly strong voter registration advantage — and in a Republican Party that seems hopelessly and perhaps permanently polluted by the vitriol and lies of former President Donald Trump,” the board said.

Shore News Network does not make political endorsements as company policy.

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