NJ Gov. Phil Murphy says Central Jersey does in fact exist

It's often said New Jersey's political influences, sports allegiances and Taylor ham/pork roll debates are generally divided between the two, and only two, sections of the state: North Jersey and South Jersey.

That's why a short passage of Phil Murphy's first speech as governor resonated with residents of the Jersey Shore and surrounding counties who have long sought acknowledgement that there is a third part of the state: Central Jersey.

TAKE THE POLL: Is Murphy right? Is there really a Central Jersey?

"We are one New Jersey – North, Central and South – an extended family striving for success,'' Murphy said on Tuesday, shortly after he was inaugurated as the state's 56th governor.

The remark was roundly cheered on Twitter:

Of course, there was also plenty of pushback from Central Jersey deniers:

Political power brokers from North Jersey and South Jersey have long called the shots in Trenton, but that's changing with Central Jersey on the rise.

Watch the video of Murphy giving his inauguration speech, when he speaks of Central Jersey, at the top of the page. The story continues below after the Chris Christie photo gallery.

Murphy is from Middletown and is the first Monmouth County resident elected governor since Joseph D. Bedle in 1875.

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Murphy's cabinet has Jersey Shore flavoring, including with Asbury Park Superintendent Lamont Repollet being tapped to lead the Department of Education, and Col. Jemal Beale of Ocean Township being picked to head the New Jersey National Guard and the state's Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs.

Bob Jordan bjordan@gannettnj.com