Asbury Park Press

It wasn't quite the blue wave some analysts had anticipated nationally, although the Democrats did regain control of the House. In New Jersey Senate, congressional and state legislative races, it was a blue tsunami. On the other hand, President Trump has to be feeling good about the pickup of seats in the Senate and some big wins in gubernatorial races. But he should be nervous about the subpoena and investigative power the House majority will now possess.

Meanwhile, Republicans at the Jersey Shore deserve to be feeling giddy about the Election Night results. Here are a few takeaways from the vote totals:

Huge night for New Jersey congressional Democrats.

The state's congressional delegation, which now has seven Democrats and five Republicans, will now have at least 10 Democrats and two Republicans. The outcome of the MacArthur-Kim race is still too close to call. If Democrat Kim should win, 4th District Republican Chris Smith would be the lone New Jersey Republican in the House. Polling showed anti-Trump sentiment was a major factor in the Democrats' success in New Jersey.

Menendez wins Menendez vs. Trump Senate contest

It didn't take long after the polls closed for Bob Menendez to be declared the winner in the U.S. Senate race. Menendez's ethical problems apparently didn't bother New Jersey voters as much as the prospect of sending a pro-Trump senator from New Jersey to Washington. Menendez was fortunate that Republican Bob Hugin had ethical issues of his own. And he's fortunate to have been running in a heavily Democratic state at a time many voters viewed the Senate race as a referendum on Trump.

New Jersey voters are yes men and women

If state lawmakers are seeking public support for an initiative, all they have to do is put it on a statewide referendum ballot. Once again, New Jersey's generous voters approved a public question — the only one on the ballot Tuesday. They narrowly approved a $500 million school bond.

Of the 52 statewide ballot questions put forth to voters since 1990, only four have been rejected. Makes you wonder why legislators don't use ballot questions more often.

Mr. Smith goes back to Washington

Democrat Josh Welle gave incumbent Rep. Chris Smith one of his toughest challenges in his nearly four decades as a congressman. But that really isn't saying much. Smith's share of the vote in past elections has generally exceeded 60 percent. Welle's attacks on Smith resonated with more voters than usual, but Smith, nonetheless, carried the 4th Congressional District with 56 percent of the vote.

Will Ocean County Democrats ever win a countywide seat again?

Republican incumbent Gerry Little and Lacey Township Committeeman Gary Quinn ran the GOP's unbeaten streak in freeholder elections to 30 consecutive years. Little, Quinn and incumbent Republican surrogate all won by nearly 2-1 margins. It has been years since Democrats made Republicans work up a sweat.

In most municipal races in Ocean County, Democrats essentially conceded, failing to even put candidates on the ballot. The only town in which Democrats fared well was South Toms River, where they captured the mayor's seat and two council seats.

Will Monmouth County Democrats ever get over the top in countywide races?

It has only been 10 years since the Democrats had majority control of the Board of Freeholders. But it also has been 10 years since a Democrat won a freeholder election. They generally make it close, but close doesn't count in politics. Democrats Larry Luttrell and Amber Gesslein were competitive Tuesday, but they fell short.

