Trenton, NJ – He’s coming back, this time, in the form of a $135,000 painting, paid for by taxpayers of New Jersey. New Jersey Assembly Republicans are taking aim at the cost of Governor Phil Murphy‘s official gubernatorial portrait after a Politico report found taxpayers will spend $135,000 on the commissioned artwork.
In a statement posted Wednesday, the New Jersey Assembly Republican Office cited the Politico investigation, which was based on a public records request, and argued the price significantly exceeds what was spent on portraits of Murphy’s three immediate predecessors combined.
According to the report, the portrait will be created by a world-renowned artist whose portfolio includes paintings of U.S. presidents and celebrities. Once completed, the portrait will become part of the permanent collection displayed in the New Jersey State House.
GOP compares portrait cost to salaries and state spending
Assembly Republicans contrasted the portrait’s price with several other state expenditures to underscore their criticism.
Among the comparisons cited by the caucus:
- More than Murphy’s annual gubernatorial salary.
- Nearly three times the reported cost of former Gov. Chris Christie’s official portrait.
- Enough to cover approximately two years of a teacher’s salary in many New Jersey school districts.
- More than the estimated $110,000 cost of providing a cost-of-living adjustment for a retired state worker.
“The portrait will hang in the Statehouse for generations,” the caucus wrote. “New Jerseyans will be paying for it in more ways than one.”
Republicans tie portrait to broader criticism of Murphy administration
The Assembly GOP also used the portrait announcement to highlight broader criticisms of Murphy’s tenure.
In its statement, the caucus referenced the state’s automatic voter registration system, noting that approximately 6,600 noncitizens were mistakenly added to New Jersey’s voter rolls because of a Motor Vehicle Commission software error previously disclosed by state officials. Fewer than 400 of those individuals ultimately cast ballots, according to the Murphy administration.
Republicans also criticized the governor over the state’s fiscal position, pointing to declining reserve funds and what they described as a structural budget deficit inherited by the next administration.
The portrait itself, however, is a customary tradition for departing New Jersey governors. Official gubernatorial portraits are commissioned to commemorate each governor’s service and become part of the historical collection maintained at the State House.
Official portraits are a longstanding tradition
New Jersey has commissioned official portraits of governors for generations, with the paintings displayed alongside those of former governors in the State House.
Portrait costs have varied over time depending on the artist selected, the scope of the commission and associated expenses.
The Politico report cited by Assembly Republicans found Murphy’s portrait would cost substantially more than those commissioned for several recent governors.
Neither the Murphy’s private press team nor the State House Commission immediately responded publicly Wednesday to the Assembly GOP’s criticism.
Local Impact
The debate comes as New Jersey continues to face budget pressures and affordability concerns, making government spending a central issue in state politics. The cost of official portraits, while a relatively small expenditure within the overall state budget, has become a political flashpoint because it is funded by taxpayers.
Sources
- New Jersey Assembly Republican Office statement
- Politico (public records investigation)
FAQ
- How much will Gov. Phil Murphy’s official portrait cost? According to Politico, the commission is expected to cost $135,000.
- Who criticized the expense? The New Jersey Assembly Republican caucus publicly criticized the cost on Wednesday.
- Why does New Jersey commission governors’ portraits? Official portraits are a longstanding tradition and are displayed in the New Jersey State House as part of the state’s historical collection.
- Who will paint the portrait? According to Politico, the commission was awarded to a world-renowned artist known for painting presidents and celebrities.
- Has the Murphy administration responded? No public response was included in the Assembly GOP statement.
Key Points
- Assembly Republicans criticized the $135,000 taxpayer-funded cost of Gov. Phil Murphy’s official portrait.
- The caucus said the commission will cost more than the portraits of the previous three governors combined, citing a Politico investigation.
- The portrait is part of the longstanding tradition of honoring New Jersey governors with official paintings displayed in the State House.
