New Jersey Democratic Governor Phil Murphy has won a second term after surviving a surprisingly close reelection bid against Republican Jack Ciattarelli. Murphy had been heavily favored in New Jersey, which has about a million more registered Democrats than Republicans. It was the latest indication that Democrats could lose ground during critical midterm elections next year. On Wednesday, President Biden said he hoped to reverse the Democratic Party’s fortunes by passing his 10-year, $1.75 trillion green energy and social safety net bill.

President Joe Biden: “People are upset and uncertain about a lot of things, from COVID to school to jobs to a whole range of things, and the cost of a gallon of gasoline. And so, if I’m able to pass, sign into law my Build Back Better initiative, I’m in a position where you’re going to see a lot of those things ameliorated, quickly and swiftly.”