Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill, a staunch advocate for unrestricted abortion, won New Jersey’s gubernatorial race Tuesday night, defeating Republican Jack Ciattarelli in a contest that pro-life leaders decried as a setback for vulnerable unborn children.
With nearly all votes counted, Sherrill captured 53% of the vote to Ciattarelli’s 46%, according to projections. The victory extends Democratic control of the governor’s mansion for a third consecutive term — the first such streak for the party in New Jersey since 1961 — and positions Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot and federal prosecutor, to succeed pro-abortion Gov. Phil Murphy in January.