NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — The Democratic mayor of Harrison and the entire town council of the Democratic stronghold have endorsed Republican Gov. Chris Christie for re-election.

Mayor Raymond McDonough announced his support for Christie during a campaign event Thursday at a diner in Newark.

McDonough is the first Democratic mayor to formally back the governor. He said Christie is the best choice to lead New Jersey and praised the governor for pushing through a cap on property tax hikes and government pension and health reforms.

Democratic state Sen. Barbara Buono of Middlesex County has picked up enough support statewide to become the Democrats’ likely nominee for governor.

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