New Jersey Republican gubernatorial challenger Jack Ciattarelli slammed the Associated Press’ “irresponsible” decision to call the race early in favor of Democrat incumbent Phil Murphy. Wednesday evening, the AP declared Murphy the winner despite all votes not being tallied.

https://twitter.com/StamiLW/status/1456030420974383114

Fox News reports:

“With the candidates separated by a fraction of a percent out of 2.4 million ballots cast, it’s irresponsible of the media to make this call when the New Jersey Secretary of State doesn’t even know how many ballots are left to be counted,” said Ciattarelli Campaign Communications Director Stami Williams on Twitter Wednesday.

GOP candidate Jack Ciattarelli carried a lead in the voting overnight Tuesday of just over 1,000 votes, but saw that lead erased by remaining ballots that broke mostly in Murphy’s favor.

An upset victory for Ciattarelli would have added to an already hugely successful election day for Republicans, who had already seen Virginia Republican gubernatorial candidate Glenn Youngkin win in what had become a reliably blue state.

New Jersey has leaned even more solidly in favor of Democrats. Murphy carried the state during his first run in 2017 by over 15 points, while President Biden was able to win the state by nearly 16 points just one year ago.

Regardless of Ciattarelli’s loss, many political analysts are viewing the razor-thin margin as a win and a clear barometer as to how next year’s midterm elections will play out.