By Associated Press - Tuesday, January 16, 2018

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - The Latest on the inauguration of Democrat Phil Murphy as New Jersey governor. (all times local):

Noon:

New Jersey has a new governor.

Democrat Phil Murphy was sworn in Tuesday as the state’s 56th governor by state Supreme Court Chief Justice Stuart Rabner at Patriots Theater inside the War Memorial in Trenton.

Murphy’s wife and four children joined him as he took the oath on the same Bible that John F. Kennedy used when he was sworn in as president. A National Guard artillery battery fired a 19-gun salute.

The former Wall Street executive and political newcomer replaces Republican Chris Christie. His election places the governor’s office in Democratic hands for the first time since 2009. Democrats also control both houses of the Legislature.

Murphy’s running mate, former Assemblywoman Sheila Oliver, was sworn in as lieutenant governor. Oliver also will head of the state’s Community Affairs Department and will become acting governor whenever murphy is out of state.

Murphy will attend an inaugural ball under a tent at MetLife Stadium.

___

10:30 a.m.

New Jersey’s next governor tweeted out morning wishes to the state.

Democrat Phil Murphy wrote, “Today our great state turns a new page.” The tweet featured Murphy, his wife and their children in a group hug.

Murphy and his wife are attending a prayer service at Shiloh Baptist Church in Trenton.

The former Wall Street executive and political newcomer becomes the state’s 56th governor, succeeding Republican Chris Christie, after he is sworn in at the War Memorial in Trenton Tuesday.

The inaugural ball will take place under a tent at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.

Motorists driving to the inauguration should be aware the Route 29 south Memorial Drive and Market Street exits remain closed because of flooding.

Route 1 south is an alternate way to enter Trenton.

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