Key Administrator Accuses Tammy Murphy of Failing to Help After Rape Allegation

A key administrator to Gov. Kathy Hochul is trying to torpedo New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy’s campaign for US Senate — claiming Tammy failed to help her after she said she was raped by an aide to her husband, Garden State Gov. Phil Murphy.

Allegations of Lack of Support

Katie Brennan, executive director for New York storm recovery/resilience, homes and communities, spoke out against Tammy Murphy’s candidacy, stating that she should not be a sitting senator for New Jersey. Brennan accused Tammy of failing to provide support and leadership after she reported being raped by an aide to Phil Murphy.

Brennan had previously volunteered on Phil Murphy’s first campaign for governor and served in his administration as director of the state housing and mortgage agency. In 2020, she reached a $1 million settlement with the state and Phil Murphy’s gubernatorial campaign over claims that her rape allegations against another campaign staffer were mishandled.

Response to Allegations

No criminal charges were brought against the accused aide, but he was removed from his job in the Murphy administration when Brennan’s accusation became public. The New Jersey legislature conducted an independent review that found Murphy’s team mishandled the response to Brennan’s accusation and implemented new laws to better handle such claims in the future.

Tammy Murphy has announced her candidacy for US Senate in New Jersey after incumbent Sen. Robert Menendez was indicted on federal bribery charges. Brennan, however, does not believe that Tammy has proven herself and claims that she has brought others into her campaign who “failed” her.

Personal Motivations

Brennan clarified that her criticism of Tammy Murphy is personal and unrelated to the ongoing dispute between the New York and New Jersey governors. The two governors are engaged in a spat over a planned $15 congestion toll for vehicles entering Midtown.

Other Candidates

Democratic Rep. Andy Kim has received Brennan’s endorsement for the Senate seat. Republican Christine Serrano Glassner, the mayor of the Borough of Mendham, has also entered the race.

Tammy Murphy and her campaign have not yet responded to the allegations made by Brennan.

About Tammy Murphy

As the first lady of New Jersey, Tammy Murphy has worked on key programs in her husband’s administration, particularly clean energy initiatives. Prior to her role as first lady, she was employed at Goldman Sachs and is a mother of four children.

Source: https://nypost.com/2023/11/15/metro/nj-first-lady-running-to-replace-bob-menendez-in-senate/