First elected chairman of the Democratic State Committee in 2013, John Currie tonight received the unanimous backing of state committee members for a third, two-year term.

The meeting took place at Carpenters Hall in Edison and featured remarks by Governor-elect Phil Murphy.

“We’re optimistic we can find that common ground. The phrase that drove us in the election is the phrase that will drive us as we govern, which is that we stand for a stronger fairer economy that works for every New Jersey family, period,” said Murphy.

Currie had hoped for the re-installment to the speakership of fellow North Jersey Party Chairman Vincent Prieto, but Assemblyman Craig Coughlin (D-19) picked off Prieto.

Murphy had said from the beginning that Currie could have another tour of duty as state party chairman, and tonight the committee made that happen with Murphy and Coughlin both offering their support.

Notably absent was Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-3) who openly warred with the chairman this year.