1NEWARK, N.J. – In a surprising, but not shocking political move, Gov. Phil Murphy has endorsed longtime ally Brendan Gill over his own lieutenant governor, Tahesha Way, in the race for Rep. Mikie Sherrill’s now-vacant congressional seat.

The announcement has quickly reshaped the Democratic field and raised questions about internal divisions in the governor’s inner circle.

The announcement reportedly came at the New Jersey League of Municipalities convention in Atlantic City.

Way, who succeeded the late Sheila Oliver as lieutenant governor and secretary of state, had been widely expected to run for the seat representing New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District.

Murphy, however, made clear his loyalty remains with Gill, a close confidant and veteran political strategist who managed Mur

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