New Jersey Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill hits the ground running after election win
NEW JERSEY (WABC) -- New Jersey Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill made history on Tuesday night to become the first female democrat to lead the Garden State.
The polls were close in the finals days of the campaign, but when it was done, Sherrill finished with a decisive victory.
Sherril hit the ground running on Wednesday morning after her big win Tuesday night.
She met with current Gov. Phil Murphy in Trenton to discuss her transition to office.
"New Jersey feels like the center of it all and I'm really excited for what we have coming up," Sherrill said.
The democrat spoke about her win on "Good Morning America" on Wednesday morning.
She defeated Republican Jack Ciatterelli, who led an energetic campaign and was endorsed by President Donald Trump.
Sherill focused much of her campaign on standing up to the president and casting blame for voters' concerns over the economy on Republican polices.
"Given how poor the economy under this administration is doing, I think we see 22 states in recession," Sherrill said. "I really want to make the case that, look, if we are going to create some economic success, New Jersey is the place to do it."
The four-term member of Congress was a Navy helicopter pilot and former prosecutor. And now the 53- year-old will be second female governor of the Garden State.
Voters in Hoboken on Wednesday morning said they hope she follows through on her campaign promises and their biggest concern is affordability.
"I hope every elected official is up for the task, it doesn't matter what party, as long as they're trying to do their best for the community," a resident said.
Now Sherrill is focusing on education and paring down bloated school administrations and using that money to improve third-grade reading scores, help teachers and improve aging schools.
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