Democrat Phil Murphy was sworn in as NJ's next governor, succeeding Gov. Chris Christie. He blasted President Trump's "assault" on NJ.

Philip D. Murphy was inaugurated as New Jersey's 56th Governor Tuesday. Calling for a new era of optimism and hope, he said state lawmakers will work together toward "writing a new chapter in our history." Murphy used the speech as an opportunity to slam President Donald Trump's "dark" vision of America and its impact on New Jersey.

Murphy, a Democrat, said Trump and Republican Congress have taken steps that have hurt New Jersey, noting the recent decision to begin oil drilling off the Jersey Shore, "gut" healthcare that has address the opioid crisis and curb immigration.

"We must immediately resist Washington's all-out assault on New Jersey," Murphy told a cheering crowd at the War Memorial in Trenton, where he was sworn in using President John F. Kennedy's Bible.

Murphy compared the difference between decisions made by the Republican Congress and those made in New Jersey "a battle between right and wrong," and he said both Republicans and Democrats will take a bipartisan stance to oppose oil drilling.

"We will resist every move from President Trump and a misguided congressional leadership, any moves that would worsen income inequality or deny access to colleges for dreamers .... or gut health care," he said.

Murphy said he will also resist every attempt to determine "who is and who is not a real American."

"Ours is an imperfect and great nation," he said. "I remain an unbridled optimist."

Sheila Oliver was sworn in as the state's 2nd lieutenant governor as Murphy talked about building a better future that improves education and deals with the state's notoriously high taxes.

"We begin that journey together," Murphy said. "We will never lose sight that we are one state and one family."

In his speech, Murphy also seemed to take a shot at recent controversial immigration comments made by Trump, saying New Jersey will welcome immigrants of all types, including those from the "continent of Africa" and Haiti.

Trump was criticized this past week for reportedly calling nations in Africa "shithole countries," and also taking a swipe at Haiti, during a congressional meeting on reinstating the DACA immigration program.

Murphy repeatedly repeatedly for a "strong and fairer" New Jersey, saying that, in the past, "too much for too long was done for short term."

He said he wants to deliver on age-old promises of having better schools, more affordable colleges, more technology jobs and lower property taxes. He wants to invest in renewable energy and deal with climate change.

"A stronger and fairer New Jersey embraces criminal justice reform," he said. "And that includes a process for the legalization of marijuana."

Murphy said he will push for raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour and will also sign an executive order on Tuesday "promoting equal pay for women."

Murphy credited his predecessor, former Gov. Chris Christie, for two decades of public service, and also his work in dealing with the state's opioid crisis. Murphy often criticized Christie on the campaign trail for being absent from the state and neglecting other issues.

Issues Murphy plans to address following the inauguration:

 

  • Marijuana legalization
  • Dealing with NJ Transit problems
  • Fixing the state pension system
  • Self-serve gas stations.
  • Sanctuary cities
  • Raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour

Here is Murphy's expected cabinet:

  • Attorney general: Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir Grewal
  • Treasurer: Assemblywoman Elizabeth Muoio, D-Mercer
  • Secretary of State: former Passaic County Freeholder Tahesha Way
  • Department of Environmental Protection commissioner: Catherine McCabe former acting administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  • Education commissioner: Asbury Park Superintendent Lamont Repollet
  • Health commissioner: Dr. Shereef Elnahal
  • Transportation commissioner: New Jersey Turnpike Authority Executive Director Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti
  • Labor and Workforce Development commissioner: Robert Asaro-Angelo
  • Banking and Insurance commissioner: Assemblywoman Marlene Caride, D-Bergen