From: www.msnbc.msn.com

TRENTON, N.J. - Republican Chris Christie has defeated Democratic incumbent Jon Corzine in New Jersey's gubernatorial race, NBC News projected.

With 71 percent of precincts reporting Tuesday night, Christie had 50 percent of the vote to Corzine's 44 percent.

Christie, a 47-year-old former federal prosecutor, became the first member of his party in a dozen years to win a statewide contest in heavily Democratic New Jersey.

"Elections are not about the people who are running, they are about the choices we make," said Corzine in a concession speech. "The people have chosen tonight."

The Republican victory deals a blow to President Barack Obama as he readies for next year's midterm elections. Obama campaigned heavily for Corzine.