In a stunning development, New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy has announced that she is suspending her campaign for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Democratic Senator Bob Menendez.

The announcement, which was done via a 3.5 minute video on social media, came just one day before the state candidate filing deadline.

Murphy entered the race in November with the full support of her party’s establishment but never gained traction with the progressive wing of the party, most of whom were strongly in support of Rep. Andy Kim.

Although she has never held elected office, Murphy, 58, has taken a very active role in her husband’s administration, and has taken on maternal and infant health as her top issues during her time as first lady — issues she highlighted while on the campaign trail.

However, the few public polls done on the race showed Kim had the advantage.

In a statement, Kim, who entered the race the day after Menendez was indicted, praised Murphy and urged unity in November.

“Tammy Murphy has been a voice for progress and public service in our state, and I respect her decision to carry on that work as first lady,” he said. “Tammy and I both agree that it is critical that we keep this seat, and the Senate, in Democratic control. Unity is vital.”

Kim, who represented Toms River prior to redistricting, was first elected to Congress in 2018 and is the first Asian American elected to federal office from New Jersey.

In 2018 and 2020, Andy defeated two self-funded millionaires in a district carried by former President Trump, and in 2022, despite being considered by many to be in danger of losing in a redrawn district, Kim defeated his Republican opponent by 12 points.

Last week, Menendez officially announced he would not seek the Democratic nomination for his current position but left the door open to a possible run as an Independent in November.

“I am hopeful that my exoneration will take place this summer and allow me to pursue my candidacy as an independent Democrat in the general election,” Menendez said a nine and a half-minute video. “This would allow me the time to not only remind New Jerseyans of how I’ve succeeded in being your champion, but how we will secure our financial futures, meet the challenges of raising a family, owning a home, provide for a college education, and secure a more peaceful world for all of us to live in.”

Assuming Kim will the Democratic primary in June, he will be the prohibitive favorite to win the general election in November in a state which has not elected a Republican to the U.s Senate since 1972.

The primary is June 4th.