Democratic governor Phil Murphy is New Jersey’s first to win re-election in 44 years

The tight race was viewed as a referendum on Murphy's - and more broadly, Democrats' - leadership throughout the pandemic

The Democratic governor of New Jersey, Phil Murphy, has narrowly won reelection, eking out a victory that spared Democrats the loss of a second gubernatorial seat.

Murphy, a former executive at Goldman Sachs and ambassador to Germany, became the first Democratic governor to win reelection in New Jersey in 44 years. He defeated Jack Ciattarelli, a Republican and former assembly member.