Democratic New Jersey gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill has a narrow lead over Republican rival Jack Ciattarelli in the race for governor, according to polling.

Newsweek's tracker shows that Sherrill leads Ciattarelli by just 5 points, with 49 percent to his 44 percent.

Newsweek reached out to Sherrill and Ciattarelli by email to comment on this story outside of normal business hours.

Why It Matters

New Jersey is one of just two states—along with Virginia—holding a gubernatorial election this year, with voters set to choose a successor to Democratic Governor Phil Murphy, who is finishing his second and final term.

The state has long leaned blue in statewide races. Republicans have not captured the governor’s office since 2013 and New Jersey has backed the Democratic nominee in

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