Democrat Mikie Sherrill Wins the New Jersey Governor’s Race

The House lawmaker defeated Republican nominee Jack Ciattarelli.

Rep. Mikie Sherrill speaks at a "Get Out the Vote" rally

Heather Khalifa/AP

Mikie Sherrill is projected to win Tuesday’s gubernatorial race in New Jersey. It’s a major relief for Democrats, who appeared to be struggling to regain the support they lost in the state last year.

Sherrill — a House Democrat and former Navy helicopter pilot and federal prosecutor — defeated Jack Ciattarelli, a former state representative who has unsuccessfully run for governor three times, The Associated Press projected.

“I know your struggles, I know your hopes, I know your dreams. So serving you is worth any tough fight I have to take on, and I am incredibly honored to be your next governor,” Sherrill told a crowd in New Jersey on Tuesday night.