At a Glance
- New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy will deliver his last State of the State address on Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 3 p.m.
- The speech will take place inside the New Jersey State House in Trenton.
- Viewers can watch the address live in the video player embedded at the top of this story.
- Why it matters: The annual speech outlines the administration’s priorities for the coming year and offers a final look at Murphy’s legacy before term limits end his governorship.
Governor Phil Murphy is scheduled to step up to the rostrum one last time to outline his vision for New Jersey’s future. The governor’s office confirmed the timing and location in a brief advisory shared with News Of Philadelphia. The address will begin promptly at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 13 inside the historic New Jersey State House.
The State of the State is the governor’s yearly opportunity to speak directly to lawmakers and residents about accomplishments, challenges, and the road ahead. This year’s speech carries extra weight because Murphy, a second-term Democrat, cannot seek re-election under the state’s term-limit laws. Every policy proposal, budget figure, and personal anecdote will be scrutinized as part of his closing argument to voters and historians.
How to Watch
- The event will stream live in the player at the top of this page.
- No cable login is required; the feed is free and open to the public.
- A recording will remain available after the speech concludes.
- Local radio stations and News Of Philadelphia‘s mobile app will also carry the audio.
What to Expect
While the governor’s office has not released excerpts, past speeches have run 45-60 minutes. Murphy typically highlights job-growth numbers, infrastructure spending, and education funding. This year, lawmakers expect him to defend his record on:
- Affordable housing initiatives
- Offshore-wind expansion
- Public-sector worker pensions
- NJ Transit reliability
Republican leaders have promised a rapid response, accusing the administration of “chronic under-delivering.” Senate Minority Leader Steve Oroho told Michael A. Turner he will bring a “reality check” list of unfulfilled 2020 campaign promises. Democratic allies counter that Murphy steered the state through a global pandemic and now presides over record-low unemployment.
Security & Logistics
- Doors open to ticketed guests at 1:30 p.m.
- State police will close portions of West State Street starting at noon.
- Protest permits have been granted to three groups: anti-tax activists, cannabis-reform advocates, and a tenants-rights coalition.
- Bags are subject to search; umbrellas and large signs are prohibited inside the chamber.
Historical Context
Murphy delivered his first State of the State in January 2019, weeks after succeeding Republican Chris Christie. Since then he has overseen:
| Year | Key Proposal | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Millionaires tax | Passed |
| 2020 | $15 minimum wage | Phased-in by 2024 |
| 2021 | Marijuana legalization | Voter-approved amendment |
| 2022 | Universal free community college | Partially funded |
| 2023 | Offshore-wind manufacturing hub | In progress |
| 2024 | Paid family-leave expansion | Signed into law |
The governor’s staff says he will frame those measures as proof that “progressive governance works.” Critics plan to emphasize property-tax increases that have continued under his watch. New Jersey’s average residential bill now tops $9,300, the highest in the nation according to Census data cited by News Of Philadelphia.
Political Aftermath
Within hours of the speech, legislative leaders will stake out positions on the proposals. The Assembly Budget Committee has already scheduled hearings beginning Jan. 15. Any new spending will be debated against a backdrop of:
- A projected $7 billion surplus
- Bond-rating agencies warning of recurring revenue risks
- A looming $1 billion jump in pension contributions next fiscal year
The speech also serves as a de-facto campaign launchpad for would-be successors. Three cabinet members-Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, Treasurer Liz Muoio, and Attorney General Matt Platkin-are rumored to be eyeing the 2025 gubernatorial primary. Their presence in the front row will be closely watched for signs of early alliance-building.
Public Reaction
Social-media sentiment tracked by News Of Philadelphia shows mixed anticipation. Posts mentioning #NJPol and #SOTS25 split roughly 55% positive, 35% negative, 10% neutral over the past week. Common themes:
- Praise for pandemic management
- Frustration over PATH fare hikes
- Calls for stronger renter protections
- Demands to fully fund the school-aid formula
Local business groups have bought $250,000 worth of digital ads urging the governor to use his final year to “slash red tape.” Labor unions, meanwhile, purchased full-page newspaper spreads thanking Murphy for signing collective-bargaining protections last fall.
Key Takeaways
- The speech starts at 3 p.m. sharp-late arrivals will be seated in an overflow room.
- Every major broadcast outlet in the state will carry the feed; streaming is free.
- Expect sharp partisan divides: Democrats cheer legacy items, Republicans cite unmet promises.
- Policy specifics will be released in the governor’s FY 2026 budget address next month-Tuesday’s talk is broad strokes.
- This is Murphy’s last constitutional requirement before leaving office in January 2026, marking the symbolic end of an era for New Jersey Democrats.
