Democratic gubernatorial frontrunner Phil Murphy is endorsing Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto (D-32) for re-election to the General Assembly, though he faces no serious challenger in the race. 
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Vinnie Prieto has become a good friend to me and a valued voice on legislation. Whether it is his support for raising the minimum wage or for organized labor, his commitment to New Jersey’s working families is without qualification,” Murphy said in a statement.
“He speaks openly and honestly, which is something we need given the challenges we face. I am hopeful that we will be able to work together in the next legislative session to move New Jersey forward.”
While Prieto appears to have the contest well in hand, with no Democratic challenger opposing him on the ballot ahead of the June 6 primary, the endorsement should still come as little to no surprise.
Murphy and Prieto exchanged high praise for one another at a La Reggia fundraiser for the Assembly Speaker back in October, and while the former U.S. Ambassador to Germany couldn’t make it to Prieto’s event in February, his wife Tammy did.
Murphy squares off with a number of challengers in June, including Assemblyman John Wisniewski (D-19), state Senator Ray Lesniak (D-20) and former U.S. Treasury official Jim Johnson, but political analysts remain staunch that Murphy will win easily.
