TRENTON - Gov. Chris Christie on Wednesday spoke to both major candidate who sought his job.

Christie said in a statement that he offered congratulations to Democrat Phil Murphy, who defeated Lt. Gov Kim Guadagno, 56 to 42 percent.

"I spoke to him and we have already begun the process of an open, cooperative transition over the next seventy days. I promised him tonight the full support of our Administration as he prepares to assume the governorship on Jan. 16."

"I also congratulate Lt. Governor Guadagno on a hard fought campaign and a gracious concession. She has been a fantastic Lt. Governor over the last eight years and I am proud to call her my friend," the governor said of his conversation the state's person to hold the office.

Murphy greeted commuters in Hoboken on Wednesday morning and met newly elected Hoboken mayor Ravi Bhalla and outgoing mayor Dawn Zimmer, who did not seek re-election. Murphy said he will formally begin his transition in the evening and will attend his son's soccer game on Wednesday afternoon.

He plans to meet with Christie before the end of the week. His transition team receives a $250,000 appropriation from the state as well as office space to begin its planning.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNJ

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