Phil Murphy won his gubernatorial contest by a significant margin. Democratic majorities in New Jersey’s Legislature grew. Bill de Blasio overwhelmingly won a second term. Political power shifted substantially in New York City suburbs. Election night was a clear victory for Democrats in the region. Murphy’s robust win combined with Ralph Northam’s larger-than-expected win in the Virginia gubernatorial have national Democrats and many political pundits claiming a rejection of President Trump’s first year in office.
Horizon Drama on Budget Eve
Work continues in Trenton to finalize agreement on the State’s FY2018 budget but ongoing disagreement regarding the future of the State’s largest health insurance provider stands in the way. Passage of the budget and avoidance of a government shutdown depends on the Senate, Assembly and Governor’s Office getting on the same page regarding Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield’s $2.4 billion reserve fund.