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Pictured is Donald J. Trump when he spoke to the Republican Convention crowd in Cleveland, OH after winning the primaries.

By Donald Wittkowski

Republican Donald Trump was elected the 45th president of the United States in a highly charged race that was decided by what he called “an incredible and great movement.”

The nip-and-tuck election with Democrat Hillary Clinton spilled into the early morning hours Wednesday before Trump declared victory in front of jubilant supporters at his New York headquarters.

“I just received a call from Secretary Clinton. She congratulated us — it’s about us — on our victory,” Trump said when he began to speak at 2:50 a.m., surrounded by his wife and children.

Striking a conciliatory tone that contrasted with his combative style during the campaign, Trump called for all Americans to unite behind his presidency to move “our great country” forward.

“I promise I will not let you down. We’ll do a great job,” he said.

Trump pledged to be a president “for all Americans.”

“While the campaign is over, the work on this movement is just beginning,” he said.

Although Trump lost New Jersey to Clinton, he received overwhelming support in heavily Republican Cape May County.

With all 127 districts in the county reporting, Trump captured nearly 60 percent of the vote to just 37 percent for Clinton.

“In a blue state, we’re going to deliver Cape May County for Donald Trump,” County Republican Chairman Marcus Karavan told GOP supporters at the Bellevue Tavern in Cape May Court House. “We’re delivering red for Donald Trump in Cape May County.”

Voter turnout was reported to be high throughout the county. Cape May County Clerk Rita Marie Fulginiti said the presidential race at the top of the ticket ignited intense voter interest.

Fulginiti said the large chunk of Republican voters virtually assured that Trump would carry the county.

“I think Trump is going to go big, because we’re a very conservative voter base here,” she said.