William J. Murphy (Rhode Island politician)
William John Murphy (born January 4, 1963) is an American attorney and former Democratic politician from West Warwick, Rhode Island. He served in the Rhode Island House of Representatives for the 26th District from 1993 to 2011 and was the 221st Speaker of the House from 2003 to 2010, handing the position to Gordon Fox.
Murphy earned a BA in Politics and Government from the University of Hartford in 1985 and a JD from the Franklin Pierce Law Center in 1989. He practiced law in Providence with Murphy & Fay, LLP. After leaving the House, he worked as a lobbyist in Rhode Island for groups such as Twin Rivers Casino, the Rhode Island Brotherhood of Correctional Officers, and Advance America.
He is married to Stacey L. Judge (since March 26, 1994), and they have two children.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 05:40 (CET).