New Jersey election results: Jack Ciattarelli and Mikie Sherrill win primaries for governor

Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli have won their parties’ primaries for governor in New Jersey, NBC News projects, setting up one of the most closely watched races of the year.

Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli have won their parties’ primaries for governor in New Jersey, NBC News projects, setting up one of the most closely watched races of the year.

New Jersey is one of two states with governor’s races this year, and the contest will be an early sign of how voters are responding to President Donald Trump’s second term.

Sherrill beat out five other Democrats for her party’s nod, pitching herself as the most electable candidate — after her party struggled in the state last year compared with other recent presidential elections — and as a Democrat willing to stand up to Trump. She also leaned heavily on her background as a former Navy helicopter pilot and on criticism of Trump.

"It's going to take a strong voice to cut through the noise from Washington and deliver for the people. So I stand here tonight doing just that. And as a mom of four teenagers, you guys know I'm not going to put up with the incompetent, whiny nonsense coming from aggrieved MAGA Republicans,” Sherrill told her supporters Tuesday at a victory rally.

Former state representative Jack Ciattarelli, R-N.J., and Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-N.J.USA Today Network; Getty Images file