Jack Ciattarelli has been running for governor in New Jersey for nearly a decade. His strong primary performance has Republicans hopeful that third time could be a charm.

U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill has won the Democratic primary in New Jersey’s race for governor. She emerged from a crowded field on the strength of her biography as a Navy pilot and former prosecutor.

Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli won their respective party’s primary on Tuesday, NBC News projected, and will face off in November’s general election for governor. New Jersey is just one of two states with a governor’s race this year,