Murphy sworn in as NJ governor for 2nd term

Gov. Phil Murphy (D-N.J.) was sworn into office as New Jersey’s governor for a second time yesterday, according to a press release.

The inauguration was attended by state officials, including the state’s Supreme Court justices, members of the state legislature and five former New Jersey governors. 

The event followed coronavirus disease (COVID-19) regulations, limiting the number of audience members and requiring face coverings and proof of vaccination from all attendees, according to an article by NJ Advance Media. 

The inauguration began with a presentation of colors by the New Jersey National Guard, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, the national anthem and an invocation prayer. 

Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver (D-N.J.) then took the oath of office as the state’s lieutenant governor, making her the first Black woman to serve in the position for two terms in New Jersey.

After speeches by Gov. Murphy's children and First Lady Tammy Murphy, the governor took the stage to be sworn into his second term and deliver his inaugural address. 

In his speech, Gov. Murphy discussed his administration's efforts to combat COVID-19 and asked for a moment of silence for the 30,000 New Jersey residents who have died since the beginning of the pandemic. 

“As we continue to work to disperse the dark clouds of (COVID-19) that hang over our state, we honor the tremendous sacrifices so many have made in their daily lives to help us return to normal,” he said. “But we honor, especially, those who will not be with us to see the blue skies we know await us.”

During his second term, Gov. Murphy said he hopes to decrease property taxes, make health care more affordable and grow the state economy through avenues such as offshore wind energy and cannabis. In addition to working on policy issues, Gov. Murphy said his goal is to reduce partisanship within New Jersey.

“So I renew my pledge to be the governor for all of New Jersey — the governor for everyone who voted for me, and for everyone who did not,” he said. “Now, in January 2022, let us make New Jersey the place where the direction of our nation is righted, where the spirit of our nation is restored, and where our common destiny as Americans — regardless of our political party or persuasion — is reaffirmed."