Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill will be New Jersey’s next governor after defeating Republican Jack Ciattarelli to become only the second woman to lead the Garden State.

Sherrill was leading Ciattarelli, a former state assemblyman, 57 percent to 43 percent, when The Associated Press called the race about an hour and half after polls closed.

Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot, is currently in her fourth term representing New Jersey’s 11th District. She will succeed term-limited Democratic incumbent Phil Murphy, who defeated Ciattarelli by a little more than 3 points four years ago.

Speaking at her campaign victory party in East Brunswick, Sherrill invoked the New Jersey motto “Liberty and Prosperity” while taking a shot at President Donald Trump.

“As the president is backing away fr

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