WASHINGTON (JTA) — Cory Booker, the Newark mayor who headed two Jewish student societies while in university, was elected to represent New Jersey in the U.S. Senate.

Booker, a Democrat, coasted to a win in a special election Wednesday to succeed the late Frank Lautenberg, defeating Republican Steve Lonegan with 55 percent t0 44 percent of the vote, according to unofficial counts.

Booker, who becomes the only African-America senator, retains strong ties with the New Jersey and national Jewish communities, and also is close to pro-Israel groups.

He is not Jewish, but immersed himself in Jewish learning in his university days, heading Jewish student societies at Oxford and Yale universities.

Booker will serve out the term of his fellow Democrat Lautenberg, who died in June, through 2014. Booker has indicated he will run for a full term next year.