Voters here passed a constitutional amendment to legalize the possession, use and sale of cannabis for recreational purposes for people over 21. New Jersey, which joins 11 other states in legalizing cannabis, is the first to put the question on the ballot after lawmakers failed last year to agree on legalization, with most Democrats approving and most Republicans opposing. Gov. Philip D. Murphy, a first-term Democrat, campaigned on the issue in 2017. Most opinion polls indicated strong public support for legalization. Read more
One agency estimates that legalization could eventually generate around $125 million a year in tax revenue for the state, whose finances have been pummeled by the coronavirus pandemic.
One closely watched House race was in the Second Congressional District. Representative Jeff Van Drew, who was elected as a Democrat in 2018, defended the seat after switching parties to become a Republican last year. — JON HURDLE Read less
Race called by The Associated Press.