Democrat Phil Murphy will be the next governor of New Jersey.
Murphy won 56 percent of the vote, defeating Republican Kim Guadagno who secured the support of 43 percent.
“I am extremely humbled, yet grateful and proud, to accept the responsibility you have given to me to serve as the next governor of the great state of New Jersey,” Murphy said.
Murphy is a former Goldman Sachs executive who also served as U.S. Ambassador to Germany under former President Barack Obama. Murphy has put forward a progressive agenda that includes a $15 an hour minimum wage and legalized marijuana.
Guadagno’s chances of winning the election were likely hurt by serving as Lieutenant Governor for Governor Chris Christie for the past eight years. Christie is one of the least popular governors in recent memory.
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