The 2004 Presidential election in the State of New Jersey, the last time that NJ would be close this result came from the Bush Campaign making a small effort in the state alongside support he gained thanks to his response to 9/11 just across the Hudson.
Due to idiosyncratic polling (Some polls had the state tied whilst some had large Kerry Leads) Bush did not heavilly invest in the state, despite going once to Burlington, having Laura Bush campaign for him there, and investing in Ads in the Philadelphia market
This was in contrast to the Kerry Campaign which did not spend money in NJ, with the largest contribution coming in at $250,000 from Senior Senator Jon Corzine. The State party onle spent $25,000 on GOTV efforts.
Because of this, Exit polls showed that Bush improoved throughout the State, losing it by 6.6% in comparison to his 15.8% loss in 2000.
In his near 7% loss bush won Catholics 58-48% (Whites overall 54-46%), and made several gains among other demographics, losing Jewish Voters 76-24%, Latino voters 56-43%, and African Americans 83-17%- Inprooving in all groups by 7-8%
Despite Kerry's and the Dems lack of Investment being seen as pivotal some saw this as NJ potentially returning to competitiveness after 1996 & 2000 had turned it into a blue state
But it was not to be as all successive Presidential wins in the state have been comfortable for the Dems
In his win Kerry Carried 24/40 Legislative Districtss to Bush's 16/40 LDs, 7/13 Congressional Districts to Bush's 6/13, and 12/21 Counties to Bush's 9/21 Counties.