Tammy Murphy knocks NRA in first New Jersey Senate race ad

New Jersey first lady Tammy Murphy (D) went after the National Rifle Association (NRA) in the first ad of her Senate campaign, vowing to push for gun reform legislation if elected.

Murphy’s campaign announced the ad, titled “Cowards,” in a release Wednesday, showing her standing outside the NRA’s headquarters in Fairfax, Va.

“This is the NRA’s world headquarters. It’s where cowards work,” she says in the ad. “They know their guns are killing our kids, but they don’t care.”

Murphy, who is the wife of New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) and has served as first lady since 2017, called for the creation of universal background checks for gun purchases, end of immunity for gun makers and banning of “military-style assault rifles.”

Murphy is running for the Senate seat currently held by Sen. Bob Menendez (D), who is facing charges related to allegations he accepted bribes from a group of businessmen in exchange for favors. Menendez has rejected the allegations and calls for him to resign and indicated he intends to run for reelection, though he has not formally launched a campaign.

Despite having strong ties to many top Democratic leaders in New Jersey, Murphy has faced some hurdles for her campaign early on. Polling has shown her trailing her main rival for the nomination, Rep. Andy Kim (D-N.J.), and her campaign manager departed the campaign last week. 

Kim led Murphy by 12 points in a Fairleigh Dickinson University poll released last month, though 30 percent of respondents were undecided. 

Murphy has also faced criticism for her connection to the governor and accusations it is giving her an unfair advantage, especially in gaining the support of party leaders who can determine where candidates are placed on the primary ballot. 

Murphy said in the ad that her “mission” will be to “take down” the NRA. 

“I can’t be bought, I won’t be bullied, and that’s why I approve this message,” she said. 

The ad will run on cable television, streaming and digital platforms, according to the release.