TRENTON, N.J. _ Philip D. Murphy, a Democrat and former Wall Street banker who has never held elected office, was sworn in as New Jersey's 56th governor shortly before noon on Tuesday amid the traditional pageantry accompanying the transfer of power in the state capital.
"The work of our administration will be about you, your families, and your communities," Murphy said. "We will never lose sight that we are one state and one family, with different beliefs but common dreams, and that we do not succeed unless we all succeed together."
He follows Republican Chris Christie, who served two terms as one of the most recognizable and colorful political figures in the country.
Murphy campaigned as the anti-Christie, on both policy and style, and vowed to stand up to President Donald Trump. He defeated Christie's Republican lieutenant governor, Kim Guadagno, in November's election.
Murphy, 60, ran as an unabashed liberal who pledged to nearly double the minimum wage to $15, legalize marijuana and offer free community college.
He also said he would "fully fund" schools and public workers' pensions and spend more on public transportation, but it's unclear how he'll accomplish all of that.
Murphy had been counting on raising taxes on millionaires for a projected $600 million in annual revenue, but Senate President Steve Sweeney, D-Gloucester, appeared to scuttle that plan after Trump signed a federal tax overhaul that is expected to hurt filers in high-tax states like New Jersey and New York.
During the swearing-in ceremony, Murphy placed his left hand on the same Bible that was used during President John F. Kennedy's inauguration in 1961, according to his administration. Murphy, who grew up outside Boston, frequently cites the Kennedys in speeches as inspirational figures.
Also sworn in Tuesday was Sheila Y. Oliver, a Democratic former state Assembly speaker from Newark, as lieutenant governor.
In his inaugural speech, Murphy also struck a note of praise for his predecessor.
"To Governor Christie, on behalf of our state, I thank you for your over two decades of public service to the state of New Jersey," he said. "There is much in your body of work from which to choose, but, in particular, your work to save lives from the epidemic of opioid addiction is a legacy worth applauding and continuing, and I intend to do so."
With Murphy's inauguration, New Jersey joins a handful of states where Democrats control both the governor's mansion and the legislature.
