Democrat Phil Murphy wins race to succeed Donald Trump ally Chris Christie as New Jersey Governor

Former investment banker beats Republican rival Kim Guadagno

Democratic candidate Phil Murphy celebrates with his running mate, Lieutenant Governor-elect Sheila Oliver, after he was elected Governor of New Jersey in Asbury Park (Lucas Jackson/Reuters)

Democrat Phil Murphy was elected governor of New Jersey on Tuesday, CNN and MSNBC projected, sweeping to victory in the race to succeed unpopular Republican Governor Chris Christie on a liberal agenda that included a $15 minimum wage and increased school funding.

Murphy, a former investment banker and ambassador to Germany, beat Republican Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno, who was hampered by her association with Christie and lagged in fundraising. A one-time presidential candidate, Christie has hit record-low approval ratings as he closes out his eight-year tenure in the Democratic-leaning state.

Murphy says his party's victory sends a message to President Donald Trump that the county is “better” than his politics of division.

Murphy invoked the Republican President by name during his roughly 15-minute victory speech, delivered in the same spot as GOP Governor Chris Christie in 2013 after he won big over his Democratic rival.

Murphy looked headed to a double digit win Tuesday evening.

Reuters/AP