Stepping into Kornacki’s usual role on Election Day was Ali Velshi, a Canadian journalist who has been with MSNBC ― set to rebrand as MS Now later this month ― for about nine years. Though some still expressed their sadness at Kornacki’s absence, the consensus among most who tuned in was refreshingly positive.

Democrat Mikie Sherrill is projected to win the New Jersey gubernatorial election against Republican Jack Ciattarelli. As of 9:30 p.m. with 63% of the expected vote reporting, Sherrill holds more than a 14-point lead -- 57.0% to 42.4%.