Democrat Mikie Sherrill wins New Jersey governor election

NEW JERSEY (WPIX) — Democrat Mikie Sherrill has won the election for New Jersey governor, according to multiple projections. 

“We here in New Jersey are bound to fight for a different future for our children,” Sherrill told her supporters gathered to celebrate her victory. “We see how clearly important liberty is. We know that no one in our great state is safe when our neighbors are targeted, ignoring the law and the Constitution.”

Congresswoman Sherrill defeated Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli and his running mate James Gannon. Ciattarelli called Sherrill to congratulate her on the results and said he “gave her my very best wishes in hopefully solving New Jersey.”

It was neck-and-neck between the two candidates throughout the race. As recently as Oct. 30, Sherrill held just a 1% lead over Ciattarelli, according to a poll by Nexstar's WPIX. 

Sherrill’s campaign was primarily focused on affordability and “driving down costs” for New Jerseyans, from housing to health care, she told WPIX in July. Sherrill also focused on President Donald Trump, saying his economic decisions threaten New Jersey. 

Sherrill said she would consolidate smaller school districts to lower property tax rates and opposed private prisons in New Jersey. 

Near the end of the tight race, Sherrill’s military records became a key point of contention after the Trump administration released them largely unredacted. Ciattarelli said he had not seen the records, but accused Sherrill of lying about her background. Sherrill accused Ciattarelli of circulating the records.

Dale Caldwell, the president of Centenary University, will serve as Sherrill’s lieutenant governor. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.