Republican Jack Ciattarelli vied against Murphy for his position but came up short in what proved to be a surprisingly close race.
David Placek, who owns properties in Montclair, had originally waived April and May, but recently tacked on June as well.
"I don't know him, I don't know his wife, but throughout the last 13 years as a nurse, I realized, this is why we do it - times are tough but we make a difference."