New Jersey state Sen. Barbara Buono (D), who is challenging Gov. Chris Christie (R) this year, was in a minor car accident Monday night and suffered minor cuts on her face.

Barbara Buono is challenging New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. (AP)

The accident occurred about 8 p.m., the candidate’s campaign said Tuesday. Buono was in the back seat of a car driven by a staff assistant; she was not wearing a seat belt.

Buono was taken to the hospital as a “precautionary measure,” spokesman David Turner said in a statement. She was released “shortly thereafter” and is back at work.

“Senator Buono is extremely grateful that no one was seriously injured in the accident, and thanks everyone who has called, emailed, or messaged their thoughts and good wishes,” Turner added.

In 2007, New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine was nearly killed in a car accident; he was a passenger in the front seat. Early Tuesday morning, Buono tweeted some advice:

A little-known state senator, Buono trails Christie by a wide margin in polls. A Monmouth University poll released Tuesday has the governor leading 62 percent to 20 percent.