This was Phil Murphy's "last hurrah" - the last time this native of Massachusetts would officially speak to the people of his adopted state.

So it was not surprising that the governor was reflective. He spoke in Tuesday's State of the State address about his modest upbringing and informed his listeners that he grew up in a small house.

How small was it?
"So small, in fact, that I slept in my parents’ bedroom until I was nine." he said. Then, he spoke about getting a job at 13 - as a dishwasher.

There was a reason for this.

Making New Jersey "stronger and fairer" has been the slogan of his administration. He calls it his "north star."

Reinforcing that point, the governor highlighted a series of accomplishments that he said have improved the lives of normal people - like those living in small houses.

They included:

Doubling the minimum wage over eight years to almost $16 an hour.

Enacting a "millionaire's tax" to raise revenue from those who can most afford to pay.

Reducing both violent crime and the number of inmates in state prisons.

Increasing funding for public schools.

Enacting new property tax relief programs such as Anchor.

Just about all of the above reinforced his liberal Democratic leanings.

Stil, Murphy in his farewell tried to strike some bipartisanship.

He quoted Ronald Reagan - "If we forget what we did, we won’t know who we are.”

And JFK about searching not for a Republican or Democratic answer, but the right answer.

New Jersey elects its governor the year after a presidential election. That means, Murphy pointed out, that he has been governor for two terms of Donald Trump and one of Joe Biden. He said he tried to work with both of them to benefit New Jersey.

He could not leave it there. Of course not.

"And, at the same time, when President Trump has tried to attack our communities and our families, we have always fought back. We have taken them to court. And more often than not: We have won."
And then:

"And to all of our immigrant families, allow me to say the following: I can only imagine how harrowing the past year has been. But rest assured: New Jersey is your home. We have always supported you. And we always will."

That got loud cheers, especially in a chamber that is now very top heavy with Democrats.

Looking ahead, the governor expressed delight that New Jersey is at the forefront of AI technology. He acknowledged obvious concerns with advancing technology, but said he was optimistic AI would help "unite and empower our people - instead of dividing and displacing us."

Murphy was also upbeat about three TV and movie studios being constructed in New Jersey.

"That’s right: Netflix. Lionsgate. Paramount. These are the biggest names in the business. And they are all putting down roots in the Garden State," he said.,

Like all politicians, Murphy likes throwing in a joke. Problem is they usually aren't very good. Take this one regarding the state's growing film industry.

"So, Hollywood -  you better watch your back. Because the state that gave us Tony Soprano is hot on your heels." That went over about as well as the ending of The Sopranos final episode.

The governor is a sports fan and soccer is a personal favorite.

Not surprisingly, he spent a few minutes celebrating the fact New Jersey will host the 2026 World Cup championship match this July. He said:

"The World Cup is, more than anything, an epic opportunity to show the world that New Jersey is the destination for dreamers and changemakers from across the globe. And that is a reputation we wear as a badge of honor."

By the way, the first match of the World Cup at MetLife Stadium will be June 13 at 6 p.m, he pointed out.

Throughout his speech, the governor also paid tribute to those who have passed away - Dick Codey most recently -  and thanked his family, his staff and all public workers in New Jersey. It was a nice gesture.

As he was about to wrap up, Murphy said that when he departs next Tuesday, the state will be in good hands.

"At a time of great uncertainty, we have a superhero waiting in the wings," he said.

That's how he described Mikie Sherrill. A "Superhero."

No pressure living up to that.