Murphy said he was interested in bringing unity to the party by endorsing Marotta's candidacy in the primary. There are no other candidates. Girgenti could not be reached for comment. He also must seek his party's nomination in its primary. The GOP announcement came a day after the filing deadline for legislative candidates, although some said current redistricting moves could open a way for Marotta to formally get on the ballot.
Primaries also are open to write-in campaigns.
The Legislature is set to vote Monday on the date of the June primaries, which was thrown into flux by redistricting based on the Census. Marotta is a member of the county ethics board. His mother, Ida Marotta, was appointed the first woman freeholder in Passaic County in 1959.