New Jersey Republican complains about 'premature' reports of his losing gubernatorial election

On Thursday, Fox News reported that Republican Jack Ciattarelli, the gubernatorial candidate for New Jersey, is not yet conceding his loss — and complaining about Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy declaring victory.

"The governor's victory speech last night was premature," said Ciattarelli said in a video posted to Twitter. "No one should be declaring victory or conceding the election until every legal vote is counted."

The candidate also encouraged supporters to report any "irregularities" they may have found in the election to the New Jersey GOP's "election integrity" hotline.

Ciattarelli, who drew controversy for vowing to end efforts to teach kids about LGBTQ issues in schools, ultimately came far closer in the gubernatorial race than polls before the election had indicated, but still ultimately came up short in the heavily blue state of New Jersey.

Murphy is the first Democrat to win re-election as governor in the Garden State since 1977.