The Latest: Democrats, GOP reach deadline to enter race

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - The Latest on the deadline for Democrats and Republicans to file for running for New Jersey governor(all times local):

4 p.m.

Time’s up for Democrats and Republicans hoping of joining the race for New Jersey governor this year.

Monday afternoon marked the deadline for candidates to file their 1,000-signature petitions to run. The primary is scheduled for June 6.

Democrats running to succeed term-limited Republican Gov. Chris Christie include front-runner Phil Murphy, a former Obama administration ambassador.

Division of Election documents show Democrats Jim Johnson, state Sen. Ray Lesniak and Tenafly councilman Mark Zinna have submitted the required number of petitions. Democratic Assemblyman John Wisniewski’s spokesman says he has also submitted the required number of signatures.

Republican Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno, who has led in public polls, also reached the threshold. GOP Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, Nutley Commissioner Steve Rogers, businessman Joe Rullo and engineer Hirsh Singh also reached the limit.

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12:10 a.m.

The clock is about to run out on Democrats and Republicans thinking of jumping into this year’s primary race for New Jersey governor.

Monday marks the deadline for those candidates to file petitions to run. The primary is set for June 6.

On the Democratic side, wealthy former Obama administration ambassador Phil Murphy is leading in polls, has key establishment and interest group support and is self-funding. Among the other Democrats running are former Clinton administration Treasury official Jim Johnson, state Sen. Ray Lesniak and Assemblyman John Wisniewski.

Among Republicans, Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno (gwah-DAHN’-yoh) is leading in polls. Also running are Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli and Nutley Commissioner Steve Rogers.

Independent candidates have until June 6 to collect the needed signatures and file paperwork to run.