Polling sites across New Jersey closed at 8 p.m. Tuesday, and in less than one minute Democratic banking executive Phil Murphy was projected as the winner in the closely-watched race for governor.

Murphy was the clear favorite to succeed two-term Republican Gov. Chris Christie, after outspending and out-polling his main challenger, Kim Guadagno, a Republican who currently serves as New Jersey's lieutenant governor.

Throughout her campaign, Guadagno tried to distance herself from her boss, Christie, the most unpopular governor in modern New Jersey history, while Murphy stressed his opponent's job role working closely with Christie. During recent weeks, Guadagno made some gains in public opinion polls but was still behind by double digits heading into the final weekend before Election Day.

Five independent candidates were also on the ballot in the governor's race: Gina Genovese; Seth Kaper-Dale; Matthew Riccardi; Peter Rohrman, and Vincent Ross.

Here are the unofficial election results, compiled by the Associated Press.

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GOVERNOR'S RACE: COUNTY BY COUNTY

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The Associated Press contributed to this report. Len Melisurgo may be reached at LMelisurgo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @LensReality or like him on Facebook. Find NJ.com on Facebook.