TRENTON, N.J. — A federal judge expressed reservations on Monday regarding New Jersey’s distinctive primary ballot system, amid a legal challenge that argues it unfairly benefits candidates endorsed by party leaders. This skepticism came to light during a hearing in Trenton’s federal court, following the state attorney general’s declaration of the system as potentially unconstitutional.
The lawsuit, initiated by Democratic Representative Andy Kim and others, aims to dismantle the state’s “county line” system before it impacts the upcoming June 4 Democratic Senate primary, where Kim is set to face off against First Lady Tammy Murphy. New Jersey’s unique method groups candidates with similar party slogans, often placing those with party backing in advantageous positions.
Kim testified in court, underlining the heightened scrutiny the system has received following the indictment of U.S. Senator Bob Menendez on bribery charges, which led Kim to announce his candidacy. Tammy Murphy, participating in her first electoral contest and married to Governor Phil Murphy, entered the race subsequently.
The controversy over the “county line” system has grown, especially after Tammy Murphy received the endorsement of several county party leaders, sparking debate over the fairness of this electoral strategy. Calls for the system’s abolition have been echoed by various progressive groups within the state.
Judge Zahid Quraishi devoted the day to deliberating on the emergency injunction against the county line system, ahead of the March 25 filing deadline for the primary. The urgency of the decision was underscored by the judge’s commitment to avoiding delay, emphasizing the significance of the matter’s timely resolution.