The Lumberton Township Committee reorganized Thursday night selecting Gina LaPlaca to continue as Mayor. Lumberton, home of Burl Co GOP Chairman Sean Earlen and once a Republican stronghold, was one of the few blue triumphs against the red wave of 2021. Under the leadership of Municipal Chair/Mayor LaPlaca Democrats solidified their 5-0 majority, a historic first in Lumberton.

“I feel that I still have a great deal of unfinished business and my commitment to continuing to serve Lumberton has never been stronger” stated LaPlaca in her remarks.

A source confirmed that LaPlaca clarified after the meeting that she will remain as Lumberton’s Mayor and not run for higher office in 2022 combatting recent speculation she would pursue the vacancy on the County Commission created by the elevation of Linda Hynes to Superior Court Judge.

LaPlaca, the popular Mayor who came close to a LD8 victory in 2019, declined to run for the assembly in 2021 and continues to be in the conversation for higher office. Assemblyman-Elect Brandon Umba (R-Medford) was in attendance at the meeting in Lumberton which has become a bellwether town for Burlington County races.

In addition to Kendra Hatfield and newcomer Rob Rodriguez being sworn in for new terms on the Township Committee, Rue Ryan was selected to serve another year as Deputy Mayor. Superior Court Judge Amy Belgard performed the respective oaths of office.