Politics & Government
How Bergen County Voted In Highly Contested NJ Governor's Race
Jack Ciattarelli gave Gov. Phil Murphy a run for his money in New Jersey's most populous county, but Murphy eventually came out on top.

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — The County Clerk's Office is reporting official vote totals in all races, including the final, countywide tally in the race for New Jersey governor.
It was initially thought that the race between Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy and Republican challenger Jack Ciattarelli could stretch into the coming weeks, with a possible call for recount looming as the numbers kept tight.
However, Ciattarelli conceded in the race on Nov. 12, solidifying a victory for Murphy that was becoming clearer by the day.
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In victory, Murphy became the first Democratic governor to win consecutive terms in the state since 1977.
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With all expected votes counted, Murphy won by a margin of 1,336,051 to Ciattarelli's 1,253,104, according to the Associated Press/Politco vote count.
In Bergen County, the eventual total didn't matchup exactly with the state totals, but it wasn't that far off. Murphy collected 145,024 votes, according to the Bergen County Clerk's Office official totals, while Ciattarelli garnered 129,556 votes. Those totals were good for 52.49 percent and 46.89 percent, respectively.
According to the Clerk's Office, voter turnout stood at just under 41 percent, with 279,171 registered voters turning in a ballot at some point during the election cycle.
In his concession speech, Ciattarelli cleared up any concerns his supporters may have had about an unfair or illicit voting process.
"I hate to lose... but I am also someone who believes strongly in our republic and in our democratic process. Enough votes have been counted and there does not appear to be a path to victory or a basis for a recount. Nor do we know of any systemic or widespread fraud. So no, I see no proof that this election was stolen," said Ciattarelli.
Murphy turned his sites to the future, saying that the Garden State represents what's up next for the country.
"If you want to know what the future looks like folks, come to New Jersey. If you want to understand where America is heading, look to New Jersey. And if you want to be Governor of all of New Jersey, you must listen to all of New Jersey — and New Jersey, I hear you," Murphy said.
View the full vote totals from every race in Bergen County here.
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