Story highlights Christie is term-limited after serving since 2010

New Jersey is one of two states electing governors in 2017

(CNN) Former Goldman Sachs executive Phil Murphy and New Jersey Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno have clinched the Democratic and Republican nominations, respectively, for New Jersey governor.

The state's gubernatorial primary has been the subject of much less national attention than a spate of four special elections for House seats and next week's primary in the Virginia governor's race -- in part because polls in New Jersey have shown each party has a clear leading candidate to replace current Gov. Chris Christie.

Murphy, a 59-year-old former US ambassador to Germany during President Barack Obama's administration, led a pack of six Democratic candidates -- thanks largely to the $16 million he loaned his own campaign.

His Democratic rivals included: former Treasury Department official Jim Johnson, state Assemblyman Jon Wisniewski, state Sen. Raymond Lesniak, activist Bill Brennan and Tenafly Councilman Mark Zinna.

Murphy tweeted Tuesday night that he is "truly honored" and "humbled" to win the nomination.

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