Governor of New Jersey: A Comprehensive Guide to the 56th Governor

New Jersey, the "Garden State," has a rich political history that dates back to its founding as a colony in the 17th century. The state has been led by 56 governors, each of whom has played a significant role in shaping New Jersey's identity and progress.

The Current Governor: Phil Murphy

Phil Murphy was sworn in as the 56th and current governor of New Jersey on January 16, 2018. Prior to his election, Murphy served as the United States Ambassador to Germany from 2009 to 2013 and as the United States Finance Chair for the Democratic National Committee from 2016 to 2017.

Murphy is known for his progressive agenda, which includes increasing the minimum wage, implementing paid family leave, and expanding access to affordable healthcare. He has also made significant investments in infrastructure, education, and renewable energy.

Recent Governors of New Jersey

In addition to Phil Murphy, the most recent governors of New Jersey include:

The Role of the Governor

The governor is the chief executive of the state of New Jersey. Responsibilities include:

• Enforcing state laws
• Approving or vetoing bills passed by the state legislature
• Appointing key officials, including cabinet members and judges
• Overseeing the state budget
• Representing New Jersey in dealings with other states and the federal government

Challenges Facing the Governor

The governor of New Jersey faces a number of challenges, including:

• A large and diverse population
• A high cost of living
• A struggling economy
• A complex political landscape

Despite these challenges, the governor has a great deal of power to make a difference in the lives of New Jersey residents.

Looking Ahead

Phil Murphy is currently serving his second term as governor. His priorities for the future include:

• Continuing to invest in education and infrastructure
• Creating more affordable housing
• Expanding access to healthcare
• Addressing climate change

Murphy is also focused on making New Jersey a more inclusive and equitable state. He has signed legislation to protect LGBTQ+ rights, raise the minimum wage, and expand paid family leave.

The future of New Jersey is bright. The state has a strong economy, a talented workforce, and a commitment to innovation. With Phil Murphy at the helm, New Jersey is well-positioned to continue to thrive in the years to come.

Additional Information

For more information on the governor of New Jersey, please visit the following websites:

• Office of the Governor of New Jersey: https://www.nj.gov/governor/
• New Jersey State Constitution: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2018/Bills/S2000/2132_I1.PDF
• New Jersey Division of Archives and Records: https://www.nj.gov/state/archives/