Phil Murphy’s approval ratings among New Jersey voters has remained steady as he crosses the halfway point of his term as New Jersey governor, a new poll from Fairleigh Dickinson University shows.

According to the just-released poll, Murphy is viewed favorably by 42% of New Jerseyans and unfavorably by 36%. His approval/disapproval numbers have not changed much from May of 2019 when he had a 42/32 approval.

Murphy is enjoying 52/16 approval/disapproval from Democrats, but among independents, the split is 31% approving of his job performance and 37% disapproving, while Republicans overwhelmingly disapprove of Murphy 22/68.

Krista Jenkins, the polling director for FDU, said that Murphy’s approval/disapproval numbers are good enough to keep away any potential challengers in the primary for governor, “but they do suggest that the governor has work to do among his own party’s rank and file as he plans for reelection.”

While Murphy’s overall approval ratings are doing OK, voters perceive his administration as having been generally for major issues concerning New Jersey residents. Despite New Jersey experiencing its lowest unemployment rate in recorded history, when asked if taxes and unemployment are better or worse under Murphy’s administration, 12% of respondents said it’s better, while 44% said it’s worse. On the state’s reputation, 16% said it’s better under Murphy, and 33% say it’s worse. Murphy earned similar grades on the economy and New Jersey’s public transportation.

“For many, the jury is still out on the governor, even though he’s now well into the second half of his administration. But for the remainder, the glass is half empty rather than full, as the state’s perennial issues are believed to have worsened under his watch,” said Jenkins. “And even though Democrats are, on balance, more sanguine than independents and Republicans, even their numbers aren’t overwhelmingly flattering for the governor.”