Carol A. Murphy is a Democratic member of the New Jersey General Assembly representing the 7th Legislative District, which encompasses municipalities in Burlington County. The district's most populous communities include Mount Laurel Township, Burlington Township, Moorestown Township, Maple Shade Township, Delran Township, and Cinnaminson Township. Murphy assumed office on January 9, 2018, and currently serves as Deputy Speaker. She previously served as Majority Whip from 2022 to 2026 and as Deputy Majority Leader from 2020 to 2021.


Born in 1962 or 1963, Murphy grew up in Berlin, New Jersey. Her father was an Army veteran and Bronze Star recipient. She earned a paralegal certificate from the Institute for Paralegal Studies, attended Camden County College, and holds a degree from Purdue University in arts and sciences. Her professional background includes work as communications officer and community relations manager for the New Jersey Schools Development Authority from 2003 to 2011, chief of staff to State Senator Linda R. Greenstein in 2011, and director of policy and communications for Assemblywoman Gabriela Mosquera from 2012 to 2017.


Murphy was elected to the General Assembly in 2017, succeeding Troy Singleton who vacated the seat to run for the State Senate. She became the first woman to represent the district in 20 years and the first Democrat from Mount Laurel to serve in the State Legislature. She has been re-elected in 2019, 2021, 2023, and 2025.

Political Career

• Communications Officer and Community Relations Manager, New Jersey Schools Development Authority (2003–2011)
• Chief of Staff to Senator Linda R. Greenstein (2011)
• Director of Policy and Communications, Office of Assemblywoman Gabriela Mosquera (2012–2017)
• New Jersey General Assembly, District 7 (2018–present)
• Deputy Majority Leader (2020–2021)
• Majority Whip (2022–2026)
• Deputy Speaker (2026–present)

Key Policy Areas

• Education and curriculum policy
• Public safety and disorderly conduct
• Developmental disabilities and human services
• Budget and appropriations
• Financial institutions and insurance
• Judiciary and civil justice

Notable Actions / Initiatives

• Primary sponsor of Assembly Bill 4454, signed into law in March 2021, requiring New Jersey school districts to incorporate diversity and inclusion instruction into the curriculum for students in kindergarten through twelfth grade.
• Primary sponsor of legislation signed in June 2025 establishing the offense of inciting a public brawl and upgrading penalties for disorderly conduct at pop-up gatherings and large public events.
• Primary sponsor of Assembly Bill 5634, signed into law in January 2026, enhancing the Department of Human Services' authority to enforce quality standards and impose civil penalties on residential providers serving individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Ran for the Democratic nomination in New Jersey's 3rd Congressional District in 2024, finishing second to Assemblyman Herb Conaway in the primary.

Education

• B.A., Arts and Sciences, Purdue University

Personal

• Birth date: Not publicly available
• Residence: Mount Laurel