New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has a strong partner in his wife, Tammy Snyder, who often collaborates with him on political initiatives. As the state's First Lady, Snyder brings years of civic experience to the table.

Who is Phil Murphy’s wife Tammy Snyder Murphy?

Tammy Snyder Murphy, born on August 5, 1965, is an American financier and politician from Virginia Beach, Virginia. After graduating from the University of Virginia, Snyder began her career as a financier at Goldman Sachs. On November 7, 2017, she became New Jersey's First Lady when her husband Phil Murphy was elected governor. They were sworn in on January 16, 2018. "We’re kind of a little bit of a team and we always have been," she said of their work together. Snyder is focused on helping Phil and addressing the many challenges facing New Jersey.

In addition to her role as First Lady, Snyder holds other positions, including Secretary and charter member of The Climate Reality Action Fund, Honorary Chair of the New Jersey Council on the Green Economy, and Chair of New Start New Jersey.

How did Phil meet Tammy?

Phil and Tammy first crossed paths in 1987 while working at Goldman Sachs. Although they became acquainted, they didn't begin dating until 1993. At that time, Tammy reached out to Phil to offer her condolences for the loss of his brother. After reconnecting, they had dinner together and started dating. They got married in 1994 and have four children together: Emma, Josh, Charlie, and Sam.

When did Tammy announce her campaign for Senator?

On November 15, 2023, Tammy Snyder announced her campaign for the U.S. Senate seat held by Bob Menendez. She explained her decision to run by saying, "I’m running because I literally believe that our families and our kids deserve better. Over the last six years, we’ve really worked hard here in New Jersey to make this a better place to live, and a better place to work and to raise a family. I think a senator needs to know and care about the issues on the ground impacting their state. I can absolutely check that box. I think they need to understand that public service is about the people, and not yourself. I can also check that box. And I think that they need to have the grit and the determination to solve problems that are facing their constituents, some of our very biggest challenges. And I would say to you, you can check that box, too. I have personally had a career in finance and worked internationally for years, and as First Lady I’ve been a problem solver who gets results for New Jersey families. So I not only have my own policy portfolio, but I have the grit and determination to get results, and I’m not a Washington D.C. insider."