| | | | |  | | By Matt Friedman | | Presented by |  | | | Good Thursday morning! We will have one more year of Gov. Phil Murphy as governor and Donald Trump as president at the same time. How will it work out? When Gov. Murphy was first elected in 2017, he cast the moment as a pushback against Trump. “This is the first major election since Donald Trump was elected. Tonight, New Jersey sent an unmistakable message to the entire nation — we are better than this,” Murphy said on his election night. And indeed, many of the governor’s policies were seen as “Trump-proofing” New Jersey. But for a liberal Democratic governor, his relationship with Trump was pretty decent when it came to securing resources for New Jersey. Murphy understands that Trump likes people who say nice things about him. So the two publicly praised each other during the the pandemic, and the resources flowed. Murphy even visited Trump at Bedminster following the summer assassination attempt. I was already planning on writing this lead about the relationship between Murphy and Trump when the governor held a press conference and actually led his remarks with it. “In June of 2020, by example, I sat across the table from President Trump in Bedminster and urged him to authorize the Portal North Bridge Project. … The president heard my argument and greenlit the project literally that night, and that project is well under way,” Murphy said, later adding: "I will never forget the [Trump administration's] help, especially in that period of March, April, May and June of 2020." Murphy said he believes he’s “on the same page” as Trump but acknowledged “offshore wind will be trickier” and said New Jersey would “fight to the death” if necessary on abortion and mass deportation. Read more about it from Ry Rivard below. Given New Jersey’s close results, I’ll be interested to see just how aggressively anti-Trump the many Democratic wannabe Murphy successors get in the primary. TIPS? FEEDBACK? Email me at mfriedman@politico.com. QUOTE OF THE DAY: “In some respects our reelection might have been the canary in the coal mine.” — Gov. Murphy HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Gina Wilder WHERE’S MURPHY? In the UK for a trade mission
| | | | A message from Uber: Uber Expands Safety Features For Drivers. Uber’s CEO met with drivers and couriers to unveil new updates to make their experience safer and fairer. Among them, Record My Ride lets drivers use their phones as a dashcam on trips. Uber also revamped its deactivation processes, enabling drivers to appeal decisions directly in the app. Learn more. | | | |  | WHAT TRENTON MADE | |
NEW STATE FRUIT: THE UPSIDE DOWN PINEAPPLE — New Jersey might be a swing state now, by POLITICO’s Matt Friedman and Daniel Han: Normally a reliable blue bastion in federal elections, New Jersey surprisingly put up swing state numbers on Tuesday, coming the closest it has in a generation to casting its electoral votes for a Republican president. Vice President Kamala Harris still won the state over Donald Trump, but the former president gained major ground in New Jersey. Having lost the state by double digits in 2016 and 2020, Trump closed election night down just five points — the closest presidential showing for a Republican since George H.W. Bush lost by 2.4 points in 1992. Tuesday night’s margin is more striking considering registered Democratic voters in New Jersey grew threefold over Republicans since then and now have a 900,000 voter advantage. Trump rallied in South Jersey and suggested throughout the campaign it would be competitive statewide, saying as recently as last weekend “a little birdie” told him he was leading Harris in the state. Trump’s comeback was widespread — not only tearing down the Blue Wall and recapturing Sun Belt states, but also making gains in Democratic-leaning New York and deep-blue Massachusetts. But few places turned as far to the right as New Jersey, though the bottom-line results don’t make it evident. Republicans and Democrats alike looked agape at the numbers. “We had a beautiful day yesterday,” said Jose Arango, the Republican Party chair of urban Hudson County — a deeply Democratic stronghold with a 41 percent Hispanic population.
—New Jersey is ready to work with Trump again — or 'fight to the death' if needed, by POLITICO’s Ry Rivard: New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy forged a unique relationship with President Donald Trump that could help the blue state when Trump returns to the White House. While the Democratic governor is preparing to clash with Republicans on immigration and women’s rights, Murphy is also looking to work with Trump on issues like infrastructure. “If it's contrary to our values, we will fight to the death,” Murphy said in a Wednesday press conference on the election. “If there’s an opportunity for common ground, we will seize that as fast as anybody.” Nobody is calling them besties but Murphy has a relationship with Trump and his family unlike any other blue state leader. Murphy, who has led both the Democratic Governors Association and the nonpartisan National Governors Association, expects talking about his Trump strategy with other Democrats could be a “big chunk of my life over the next couple of months.” —“Rough night for N.J. dems, who dramatically underperform polls, expectations ” —“Fulop slams N.J. Democratic political machines as ‘lazy’ and ‘ineffective’” TO BE FRANCK — “Coming to your train or bus now, NJ Transit’s new customer advocate,” by NJ Advance Media’s Larry Higgs: “NJ Transit’s new customer advocate has hit the ground running, riding the system both as a daily train commuter and in his new position to get familiar with the agency, saying he takes his own approach to meeting and talking to commuters. Franck Beaumin, who was appointed to the long vacant job on Oct. 10, said during a Wednesday press conference that he wants to reinstate customer listening sessions, plans to join X, formerly Twitter, and will have a dedicated website and contact form for riders to provide feedback to him. In his first three to four weeks on the job, Beaumin said said he’s already been riding the system, talking to commuters and said he’ll be a regular rider on the system.” CORRECTIONS — “Charges dismissed against 6 N.J. corrections officers indicted in inmate beating,” by NJ Advance Media’s Jeff Goldman : “Days after six New Jersey corrections officers were indicted on charges related to the 2020 beating of an inmate, the cases have been dismissed because they were not granted a speedy trial, an attorney for one of the men confirmed. Attorneys for the accused officers filed the motions after their clients were indicted last week and a judge sitting in Burlington County dismissed the charges on Friday, according to Tess Berkowitz, who represented former senior corrections officer Christopher Toth in court. Toth, 40, of New Egypt, and five others had faced charges of official misconduct, tampering with public records and falsifying records.” —“Former N.J. corrections officer headed to federal prison for failing to stop beatings” — “ N.J. Election 2024 takeaways, from Trump’s performance to what happens next”
| | | | A message from Uber:   | | | | | BIDEN TIME | |
POU SHOWING — Nellie Pou will replace Pascrell after surprisingly close race, by POLITICO’s Dustin Racioppi: Nellie Pou will fill the seat left open by the death this summer of longtime Democratic Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., according to the Associated Press. But it wasn't easy. Pou, a veteran state lawmaker, seemed virtually assured of the seat representing the 9th Congressional District after party leaders selected her to become the Democratic nominee. The district, composed mostly of towns in Bergen and Passaic counties but also part of Hudson, has been reliably blue for decades. But Pou narrowly defeated Republican Billy Prempeh by about four points. The 9th District was the last House race in New Jersey to get called in New Jersey and it came 16 hours after polls closed.
Q TOLD HIM — “Billy Prempeh not conceding NJ-9 loss: ‘I believe that I won this race’,” by New Jersey Globe’s Joey Fox : ‘“I believe that I won this race,’ Prempeh said in an interview with CBS News. ‘I think that there’s some issues with the numbers that we’re seeing. The numbers have changed multiple times throughout the night; we still have about 67,000 votes that have not been counted yet …’ Where Prempeh got the idea that there are still 67,000 votes left uncounted is unclear; 244,000 votes have been cast so far, which the AP estimates represents more than 95% of the total votes that will be counted in the district, and periodic reports from the Bergen and Passaic County clerk’s offices indicate there are only around 2,000 mail ballots that have been received but not yet processed. Prempeh did not immediately respond to a request for clarification on his claim.” DEATH BY A THOUSAND TWEETS — “Sue Altman loses bid for NJ District 7. What it means for Democrats,” by The REcord’s Charles Stile: “Republicans enjoy a 19,000-voter-registration advantage over Democrats in the 7th Congressional District — the result of a Darwinian deal that the state Democrats made in 2021 during redistricting that left the district a redder redoubt. That change led to the 2022 ouster of Democrat incumbent Tom Malinowski by Kean. Two years later, that structural advantage insulated Kean from Altman’s vigorous threat. ‘Partisanship is a hell of a drug, like there are people who are lifelong Republicans who I know do not like Trump, and felt like Kean was a disappointment,’ Altman said … The chase for campaign cash became another hurdle for Altman. … Altman cast herself as an energetic advocate for the district's future. But in the end, she struggled to escape her past as a firebrand activist. Kean and Republican allies distorted old tweets Altman posted during her days as a leader for the New Jersey Working Families Party — claiming, inaccurately, in one ad that she supported decriminalizing fentanyl.’ SENIORITIS — “ Has New Jersey lost power in Washington?” by NJ Spotlight News’ Benjamin J. Hulac: “Longtime House Democratic Rep. Frank Pallone is on track to again lead a powerful congressional committee that oversees health care, transportation, the environment, prescription drugs, digital communications and more. Pallone, who was handily reelected Tuesday to his 19th term in Congress, is positioned to become chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee if Democrats win the House or remain the ranking member — the most senior committee member from the minority party — if Republicans hold it. But Pallone is an outlier in the New Jersey delegation to Washington, where few of his colleagues hold high-ranking seats on powerful committees, and recent deaths plus the resignation of former Sen. Bob Menendez have gutted the state’s clout in Congress. When the new Congress is sworn in on Jan. 3, New Jersey will have many new representatives on Capitol Hill but may not have many in politically powerful positions.”
| | | | A message from Uber: Uber’s Latest Updates Put Drivers First
At an in-person event with drivers, Uber’s CEO announced updates to give them more peace of mind. Uber has started flagging inappropriate rider behavior when drivers report it. The Record My Ride feature allows drivers to capture video and audio during trips, improving accountability and safety. Plus the app also got more hands-free with Siri voice commands, letting drivers focus on the road while staying connected. Learn more. | | | | | LOCAL | |
ANDY KIM THOUGHT HE KILLED THE LINE. INSTEAD IT FOLLOWED HIM TO BURLCO — “After massive lines, Burlington Democrats and Republicans seek investigation ,” by New Jersey Globe’s David Wildstein: “ After an Election Day train wreck causing thousands of Burlington County voters to wait three or four hours to vote – some polling locations didn’t close until close to midnight – the Democratic and Republican county chairs have called on the Burlington County Superintendent of Elections and Board of Elections to launch an internal probe that ‘resulted in excessive delays.’ ‘This analysis should include recommendations to improve service and efficiencies for future elections and should be completed and made available to the public by January 30, 2025,’ said Democrat Matthew Riggins and Republican Sean Earlen in a joint statement. They want an ‘internal analysis of voting processes and procedures.’”
KP AND JOJO — “Joseph Merla, who served time for felony, poised to win Keyport council seat,” by The Asbury Park Press’ Jerry Carino: “Joseph ‘JoJo’ Merla, who served three months in federal prison after being convicted for money laundering in 2007, has the inside track at taking one of the two open seats on Keyport’s Borough Council after Tuesday’s election. With mail-in and provisional ballots still to be counted, the Republican leads all four candidates with 1,759 votes. Incumbent Kathleen McNamara, a Democrat, is second with 1,749 votes and would retain her seat if that holds. In third sits her fellow Democrat, former Keyport Mayor Robert Bergen, with 1,711 votes, and Republican Althea Washington is in fourth with 1,641 votes.” DAVID VS. GOLIATH VOTE — Gloucester Township residents vote against proposed sewer sale, by WHYY’s Zoë Read: “On Election Day, Gloucester Township residents voted against selling their sewer system to New Jersey American Water, a subsidiary of the largest investor-owned utility in the U.S. The failed referendum bucked a trend in the region, which has seen more than two dozen water system purchases over the last six years .. The company spent more than $1 million on canvassing and ads in Gloucester Township, hoping to convince residents to vote in favor of selling their sewer system. But it wasn’t enough to sway voters — the referendum lost by more than 80$ .. Gloucester Township officials said the sale would pay off a $65 million debt, help reduce property taxes and fund recreational and other opportunities for residents. However, residents accused the town of placing its financial woes on the backs of constituents, and they began a grassroots campaign against the proposal … Residents also believed the proposal was a conflict of interest because the mayor, David Mayer, is an employee of New Jersey American Water. However, Mayer recused himself from the process.” LOWERING THE CLARK BAR — “ Scandal-ridden N.J. mayor headed to reelection, despite racial slurs, criminal charges,” by NJ Advance Media’s Riley Yates : “Voters in Clark Township took another look at Mayor Sal Bonaccorso and liked what they saw, handing him victory at the polls despite public corruption charges and a racism scandal in which he was caught using the n-word and crassly disparaging women in law enforcement. Bonaccorso led challenger Michael Shulman by 5,299 votes to 2,605 votes in his bid for a seventh term at the helm of the suburban Union County community, according to unofficial results on Wednesday morning.” CURSED JACKIE — “ Rich O'Brien sweeps embattled Spotswood Mayor Jackie Palmer out of office,” by MyCentralJersey’s Susan Loyer: “Former Board of Education President Rich O'Brien overwhelmingly turned back embattled Mayor Jacqueline Palmer’s bid for reelection. O'Brien, who ran under the ‘Together for Spotswood’ banner, received 3,355 votes, while Palmer, who ran under the ‘Proven Record of Stabilizing Taxes’ banner, received 526, according to the unofficial results. … Her first term as mayor has been marked by controversy as the borough has become embroiled in lawsuits filed by members of the police department, including Chief Philip Corbisiero and Capt. Nicholas Mayo, accusing her of interfering in the police department.” — “Dry no longer? Haddon Heights leans toward alcohol sales” —“ Democrat Thomas Adamo wins Passaic County Sheriff election. See totals” —“GOP flips Atlantic City, Absecon seats” —“GOP wins 2 Atlantic County commissioner races, another is a likely GOP win” —“ Despite GOP headwinds, Democratic Cumberland County [Clerk Celeste Riley] staves off challenge” —“Hoboken cancels public safety meeting, city council meeting after council president’s death ” —“Dent in the armor? Schneider, Rezabala break JCEA-backed Education Matters stranglehold on Jersey City school board” —“Republicans hold Rodrick’s seat on Toms River council” —“ Ex-school board member, newcomer win seats on Toms River Board of Education” —“Democrat Anthony Cureton is Bergen County sheriff winner ” —“Newark reducing unsheltered homeless population, plans new initiatives in 2025” —“Jackson wildfire threatens homes, evacuations in progress” | | EVERYTHING ELSE | |
—“ NJ man sues American Dream over decorative helicopter that fell from ceiling”
—“ New Jersey City University president charged with DWI in Bergen County”
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