Newark — In a show of unity and support less than six weeks before New Jersey voters go to the polls to select their next governor, all five of the Democratic gubernatorial primary challengers today gave their formal endorsements to Phil Murphy.

Jim Johnson, Assemblyman John Wisniewski, Senator Raymond J. Lesniak, Bill Brennan and Councilman Mark Zinna called for Democratic Party unity to ensure a Murphy victory and encouraged independent voters to back Murphy to put New Jersey on a new course away from the failed Chris Christie and Kim Guadagno agenda.

“If we are to build a vibrant New Jersey that works for all of us, we need a governor who will work with all of us,” said Johnson. “I know Phil is committed to making infrastructure investments that will strengthen our communities, make them more resilient, and ensure opportunity for all people to get to good jobs and enrich our common life together. I look forward to working with Phil to make our state fairer and more prosperous for all of us. The choice couldn’t be more clear. Phil Murphy is the best candidate to lead us forward.”

“One thing is crystal clear — we cannot allow a third term for Chris Christie’s policies in New Jersey. We must elect Phil Murphy to get our state back and moving in the right direction,” said Wisniewski. “I know Phil is committed to making the critical investments in infrastructure that we need to rebuild our economy and be competitive. And I know he shares my commitment to making our economy fair again so it works for working families. There is no contest on November 7 — Phil Murphy stands head and shoulders above everyone else.”

“New Jersey needs a governor who will focus on protecting our environment, and Phil’s strong policy proposals prove his commitment,” said Lesniak. “While Chris Christie and Kim Guadagno give away billions to polluters, Phil has put forward a vision for a clean energy economy that is both ambitious and achievable. It will create good jobs and leave a better state. Phil knows we can both do good and do well, and for that alone he needs our support.”

“Throughout the primary campaign, I got to know Phil as a man who listens, who is always thinking, and who keeps his word,” said Brennan. “He understands that unless we honestly face our challenges, we’ll get nowhere. For residents who have had enough of the bullying politics and broken promises of Chris Christie and Kim Guadagno, Phil will be a welcome change in Trenton.”

“As a local official, I have seen the impacts Chris Christie’s and Kim Guadagno’s gutting of support for our communities. For our communities and taxpayers, Phil gets it that we’ve been left behind,” said Zinna. “Whether it is his commitment to properly funding our public schools or actively engaging local leaders to create more shared services, Phil knows we can do more to give taxpayers the value they need in their communities. I am proud to stand with Phil Murphy.”