JERSEY SHORE — Over the last several years, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has made frequent stops along the Jersey Shore, addressing everything from public health and storm recovery to small business support and climate resilience.

In May 2020, amid the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Murphy visited the shore to discuss reopening strategies just ahead of Memorial Day weekend. He emphasized safety guidelines for beaches and boardwalks, including limits on capacity, social distancing enforcement, and the use of face coverings.

“We understand how important the Shore is to our economy and culture,” Murphy said at the time. “But public health has to come first.”

In summer 2021, as vaccinations rolled out and restrictions eased, Murphy returned to the Shore to promote the state’s “Shot and a Beer” campaign, which encouraged COVID-19 vaccinations by partnering with local breweries. He also visited small businesses in places like Asbury Park and Seaside Heights, highlighting pandemic recovery funding for tourism-dependent economies.

Climate change became a growing theme during Murphy’s shore visits. In 2022 and 2023, he met with local officials to discuss coastal flooding, beach erosion, and storm preparedness. He supported funding for dune restoration and infrastructure upgrades in communities like Atlantic City and Ocean City, citing the need for long-term resilience planning.

By 2024, the governor’s focus shifted toward legacy projects, including clean energy investment, particularly in offshore wind projects based in southern New Jersey. While those projects faced political and logistical setbacks, Murphy continued to defend the state’s energy goals and the potential economic benefits for Shore towns.

Throughout his tenure, the Jersey Shore remained a focal point for both symbolic gestures—such as annual beach openings—and substantive policy. With the end of his second term on the horizon, the region is expected to remain in the political spotlight as candidates campaign on issues deeply tied to the Shore’s economy, environment, and public safety.