Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot and four-term member of Congress, defeated Jack Ciattarelli, who was endorsed by President Donald Trump.

The New Jersey governor's race comes amid a government shutdown, a decline in approval for President Donald Trump and national concerns about affordability.

In a race that was seen as being as much about national politics as state ones, her victory is a good sign for Democrats.

It marks the second big win for Democrats in an election seen as a referendum on US President Donald Trump.

Sherrill, a former Navy helicopter pilot and four-term member of Congress, defeated Jack Ciattarelli, who was endorsed by President Donald Trump.