Running on a progressive message, Democrat Phil Murphy tonight triumphed over Republican Kim Guadagno in the New Jersey Governor’s Race, according to CNN.

Murphy spent his late TV money reminding voters that Guadagno had served as lieutenant governor for Gov. Chris Christie, the outgoing governor saddled with a 14% job approval rating.

Guadagno attempted to hit back by noting Murphy’s plans to raise $1.3 billion in new taxes and his vow to turn New Jersey into a sanctuary state to protect undocumented workers. Her message fell short in a state where registered Democrats outnumber Republicans by over 800,000.

Democrats said Guadagno’s “sanctuary state” hit-back smacked of Willie Horton desperation, and noted her turn rightward to her base in a general election cycle, which narrowed her effoerts to reach independent voters.

“This is the culmination of hard work by a lot of dedicated people,” Murphy Spokesman Derek Roseman told NJTV reporter David Cruz. “If this is all true, we are incredibly grateful to all those who put their faith in Phil Murphy.”