Democrats leading in Monmouth County early returns

Democrats appear to be winning in Monmouth County for the first time since 2008 after the first round of paper ballots were reported.

However, there are 150,000-200,000 ballots yet to be counted.

With 189, 594 votes reported on Tuesday night, Joe Biden is leading for President, Cory Booker is leading for U.S. Senate and Democrats Michael Penna and Moira Nelson are narrowly leading Republicans Lillian Burry and Ross Licitra for two Freeholder (soon to be known as County Commissioners) seats.

There are 150,000 -200,000 paper ballots yet to be counted in the County. Election officials say to could be Friday or later before the Board of Elections have processed and counted.

Congressman Chris Smith and Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon are the only Republicans leading County wide in the early returns.

Monmouth County has not voted for a Democrat for President or U.S. Senator in over 20 years and have not elected a Democrat Freeholder in 14 years.

Republican officials expect the race to narrow significantly with Burry and Licitra ultimately prevailing on the County level.