How a congressman’s challenge to New Jersey’s first lady is shaking up a key Senate race

By MIKE CATALINI
Associated Press

MOUNT LAUREL, N.J. (AP) — In New Jersey, the Senate seat held by Democrat Bob Menendez has become competitive because he was indicted last year on federal corruption charges. And so far, Andy Kim, a Democratic congressman who’s seeking the nomination, is winning some important support on the county level. Right now, he’s up against Tammy Murphy, a first-time candidate who’s married to the governor, Phil Murphy. The contest is a rare and unexpected primary battle for a seat that Democrats still expect to keep safely in their hands. Kim’s success in three state county committee votes have fueled early momentum against Murphy, a well-connected political figure in a state where connections count for a lot. Menendez hasn’t said whether he’ll seek another term.