(MENAFN) Representative Mikie Sherrill emerged victorious in New Jersey's gubernatorial contest on Tuesday, marking the second consecutive Democratic triumph in key bellwether states holding off-year governor elections, according to a media outlet.

Sherrill, who has served four terms in Congress, overcame Republican contender Jack Ciattarelli, who had the endorsement of former President Donald Trump but was unsuccessful in his third campaign for the governorship.

This outcome positions the Navy veteran to succeed current Governor Phil Murphy, a fellow Democrat, who is prohibited from seeking reelection because of New Jersey's term limits.

Polls in New Jersey closed at 8 pm local time (0100 GMT Wednesday), though a few voting locations were permitted to remain open for an additional hour after temporary closures caused by emailed bomb threats, which were later found to be baseless.

Meanwhile, in another off-year gubernatorial contest, Democrat Abigail Spanberger defeated Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, overturning a Republican-led administration.

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