Pizza Debate Fires Up Between NJ, CT Governors Over Who Has Best Pies

NEW JERSEY — We know that New Jersey pizza is hard to beat, though another Northeastern state seems to think otherwise — and that heated up social media conversation between state leaders.

On Wednesday, Connecticut Gov. Ned LaMont shared photos of new road signs along several highways, including one declaring the Constitution State to be "the pizza capital of the United States."

That particular claim to fame, which now greets travelers on I-95 and I-84 headed out of New York, didn't sit well with Garden State Gov. Phil Murphy.

"These updated signs reflect our state pride, showcasing some of the best of what we do in Connecticut," LaMont said in a post on X.com. "They're a fun way to greet visitors entering our state."

And while some studies say Connecticut has the most pizza stores per capita — and though it's home to the world-famous Mystic Pizza — Murphy was not impressed.

His response? "You’re not even the pizza capital of the tri-state area."

New Jersey's governor doubled down with a video message on Thursday — which was National Cheese Pizza Day — holding a piece of cheese pizza on a plate, and even poking fun at how some Connecticut residents eat their pizza pies with a knife and fork.

"These guys in Connecticut claim something which is...I don't get at all," he said. "We all know it's in Jersey."

And before taking a big bite to prove his point, Murphy paraphrased his now-viral moment from the Democratic National Convention. "We're from Jersey, baby." he said. "And they're not."

We’re from the pizza capital of the world, and you’re not.

Especially you, Connecticut.

Happy National Cheese Pizza Day, New Jersey! pic.twitter.com/kLj4YL8Hle
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) September 5, 2024