Phil Murphy

**Philip Dunton Murphy** (born August 16, 1957) is an American financier, diplomat, former Goldman Sachs executive and politician. He is a member of the Democratic Party. He was the 56th Governor of New Jersey from 2018 until 2026. He was first election in the 2017 gubernatorial election. Murphy was the United States Ambassador to Germany from 2009 to 2013 serving during the Barack Obama presidency. He was narrowly re-elected in 2021, beating Republican Jack Ciattarelli. He became the first Democratic governor to win re-election since Brendan Byrne in 1977.

## Early life

Murphy was born in Needham, Massachusetts. He was raised in both Needham and nearby Newton, Massachusetts. He studied at Harvard University and at the University of Pennsylvania.

## Ambassador to Germany (2009–2013)

Murphy served as United States Ambassador to Germany under President Barack Obama from 2009–2013.

His formal nomination to the position was made by President Barack Obama on July 9, 2009. It was then confirmed by the United States Senate on August 7, 2009. Murphy promoted American trade and focused on engaging Germany’s youth through town hall meetings, exchange programs, and social media communication.

On May 29, 2013, it was announced that Murphy was stepping down from the ambassadorship. He formally left the position on August 26, 2013.

### 2017 election

Murphy was the Democratic nominee for Governor of New Jersey in the 2017 gubernatorial election. He faced Republican Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno in the general election. He won the election on November 7, 2017.

### Tenure

In December 2019, Murphy became the chairperson of the Democratic Governors Association, a position he held for a year.

### 2021 election

On October 1, 2020, Murphy announced he would seek reelection, with Oliver as his running mate. He faced Republican Jack Ciattarelli in the general election. He was re-elected by a small margin and was declared the winner the next day.

## Personal life

Murphy moved to Middletown Township, New Jersey in 2000. He is married to Tammy Snyder and they have four children.

On March 4, 2020, Murphy had surgery in New York City to remove cancerous tumors in his kidneys. He made a full recovery shortly afterward.

## Other websites

- Education Task Force website
- New Jersey Benefits Task Force final report
- United States Diplomatic Mission to Germany: The Ambassador
- June 2013 interview in _Frankfurter Rundschau_ (in German)
- Official campaign website
- Primary Night - narrative photo essay

## Infobox (officeholder)

- **name**: Phil Murphy
- **image**: Gov. Phil Murphy (cropped).jpg
- **order**: 56th Governor of New Jersey
- **lieutenant**: Sheila Oliver
Tahesha Way
- **term start**: January 16, 2018
- **term end**: January 20, 2026
- **predecessor**: Chris Christie
- **successor**: Mikie Sherrill
- **office1**: Chair of the National Governors Association
- **term start1**: July 15, 2022
- **term end1**: July 14, 2023
- **predecessor1**: Asa Hutchinson
- **successor1**: Spencer Cox (politician), Spencer Cox
- **office2**: List of ambassadors of the United States to Germany, United States Ambassador to Germany
- **president2**: Barack Obama
- **term start2**: September 3, 2009
- **term end2**: August 26, 2013
- **predecessor2**: William R. Timken
- **successor2**: John B. Emerson
- **birth name**: Philip Dunton Murphy
- **birth place**: Needham, Massachusetts, U.S.
- **party**: Democratic Party (United States), Democratic
- **children**: 4
- **residence**: Drumthwacket