U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill decisively won a wild and very crowded primary Tuesday for the Democratic nomination to become New Jersey’s next governor, capitalizing on support from a vast array of party leaders and staving off fierce threats from challengers in a new-look election.

In a crowded race for governor, U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill built a statewide coalition in the Democratic primary that stretched from New Jersey’s northernmost county down to Cape May. Turnout in the Democratic contest improved by more than 270,

Rep. Mikie Sherrill secured the Democratic nomination for New Jersey governor Tuesday and will next face Republican Jack Ciattarelli.