Republican Justin Murphy to face Cory Booker with negative cash on hand

Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) now has his general election opponent for the 2026 New Jersey Senate race: Republican Justin Murphy, whose cash-on-hand balance is currently in the red.

Murphy, an attorney, former local politician, and 2024 Senate candidate, has -$23.71 in cash on hand, according to Federal Election Commission data from May 13. After previously placing third in the 2024 Senate Republican primary, Murphy surged at the ballot box this year, earning 33% of the vote and besting his three primary opponents.