(CNN) -- A Republican Party that struggled in the wake of recent Democratic landslides sprang back to life Tuesday with wins in hotly contested races for governor in Virginia and New Jersey, according to CNN projections. In Virginia, 55-year-old former state attorney general Bob McDonnell will be the first Republican to win the state's highest office in twelve years, CNN projects. Republicans will win races for Virginia's lieutenant governor and attorney general as well. In New Jersey, former federal prosecutor Chris Christie will oust first-term Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine, CNN projects. Christie will be the first Republican to win the top office in heavily Democratic New Jersey in 12 years.
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NEW: CNN projects that Chris Christie will unseat New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine
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NEW: CNN projects Republican Bob McDonnell will win Virginia governorship
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NEW: CNN projects New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg re-elected to a third term
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CNN TV: Instant results, analysis from the Best Political Team, 8 p.m. ET
Democratic
Democratic
Democratic
The split could result in the election of a new @placeholder congressman from a region that has backed Republican congressional candidates since 1872.
Bob McDonnell
Bob McDonnell
Deeds sought to peel social moderates and political independents away from McDonnell in part by highlighting @placeholder's graduate school thesis, in which the Republican was critical of homosexuals and women in the workplace.
Jon Corzine
Jon Corzine
The president's help, however, was not enough to save @placeholder, who was saddled with burden of seeking reelection in the midst of a steep economic downturn.
New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey
New Jersey
Almost one-third of @placeholder voters cited the economy as their top concern in early exit polls, with another 25 percent citing the state's high property taxes.
Bob McDonnell
Bob McDonnell
Independent voters broke even more heavily for Christie in New Jersey than for @placeholder in Virginia.
Democratic
Democratic
Democratic
New Jersey voters were both more @placeholder and more liberal than Virginia voters.
Virginia
Virginia
Virginia
Virginia
New Jersey voters were both more Democratic and more liberal than @placeholder voters.