Over the past weekend, New Jersey encountered a significant nor'easter that brought high winds, reaching up to 60 mph, heavy rainfall, and resulted in coastal flooding. In the midst of these emergent weather conditions, Governor Phil Murphy (D) was not present in the state to oversee critical emergency preparations. In his absence, Acting Governor Tahesha Way, who was appointed as lieutenant governor in 2023, took charge of the situation.
Acting Governor Way declared a state of emergency on the evening of Saturday, October 11, in response to the escalating weather conditions. She took to public announcements, advising New Jerseyans to stay updated and refrain from unnecessary travel. The declaration was a proactive measure to ensure the safety of residents and to facilitate an organized deployment of state resources.
Governor Murphy, however, was reported to be attending a family friend's wedding in Europe during this period, which spanned from October 9 through October 14. While his office confirmed that he maintained communication with emergency officials, details on whether he considered returning early in light of the storm were not disclosed.
This is not the first instance where Governor Murphy's travels have sparked criticism. His history of extended travels, especially during crucial times such as a surge in COVID-19 cases in December 2021, has been a subject of public scrutiny.
In a similar vein, Texas Senator Ted Cruz (R) endured criticism for traveling to Cancun during a severe winter storm in Texas in 2021. These incidents highlight the broader issue of public expectations of elected officials to remain present during emergencies.
Acting Governor Way's emergency declaration included all 21 counties of New Jersey, thus activating emergency services across the state. As acting governor, she assumed full executive authority, which is standard protocol whenever the governor is out of state. This procedure was notably followed after the death of Sheila Oliver, Murphy's predecessor.
Social media reactions to Governor Murphy's absence were mixed, with some criticizing the optics of his absence during a disaster, while others focused on the responsibilities carried out by Acting Governor Way. Despite not being physically present, Governor Murphy relayed emergency information via social media and continued official duties remotely, including attending the 250th anniversary celebration of the Navy and Marines.
As New Jersey heads into November elections, experts suggest that the governor's physical absence during a high-profile emergency could impact public perception of leadership effectiveness, though it is Murphy's last term. While Acting Governor Way managed the response effectively, the situation may become a topic of political discourse.
Throughout the nor'easter, state officials and residents were reminded of the critical need for clear communication and prompt actions during severe weather events. The successful management of the emergency by Acting Governor Way underscored the importance of preparedness and the established line of succession in governance.
