Gov. Murphy undergoes surgery for tumor in New York City as Oliver takes over

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy is out of surgery and resting after a successful operation to remove a tumor on his kidney, the administration said.

The announcement was made Wednesday afternoon by Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, who is serving as acting governor while Murphy is away.

The surgery took place at an unidentified New York City hospital.

Last month, Murphy announced via Twitter that doctors had discovered a likely cancerous tumor on his kidney. “The prognosis is very good and I’m profoundly grateful to my doctors for detecting the tumor early,” he said.

Murphy used the diagnosis to highlight the 50,000 New Jerseyans who are diagnosed with cancer each year and his administration’s ongoing efforts to make health care affordable.

“If there’s anything my diagnosis reminds me of, it’s that preventative services are lifesaving and we need to continue fighting for affordable health care for all,” he tweeted.After making his diagnosis public, Murphy told NJ.com that he does not expect to have to undergo chemotherapy or radiation treatment.

Friends – I’ve got a tumor on my left kidney and will undergo a partial nephrectomy in early March to remove it. The prognosis is very good and I’m profoundly grateful to my doctors for detecting the tumor early.

— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) February 23, 2020

Health care is a right, not a privilege for a select few, and skyrocketing medical costs are a national emergency. If there’s anything my diagnosis reminds me of, it’s that preventative services are lifesaving and we need to continue fighting for affordable health care for all.

— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) February 23, 2020