Middlesex County’s local elections this year didn’t feature many contested races, but there was no shortage of drama.

One of the most significant controversies centered around an email sent on Election Day by Middlesex Democratic Organization Chairman Kevin McCabe. The email notably excluded U.S. Senate candidate Andy Kim from a list of endorsed Democratic candidates, while including all other Democrats. McCabe, who had endorsed First Lady Tammy Murphy for Senate, gave her the coveted “line” over Kim, which led to a lawsuit from Kim. The legal challenge ultimately resulted in the abolishment of the line, a move that some viewed as stripping McCabe of a key source of political influence.

Sayreville Borough Council

In Sayreville, both a Democrat and a Republican appear poised to win seats on the Borough Council. Incumbent Stanley “Stash” Synarski, a Republican, is leading the race, with former Democratic Councilwoman Mary Novak close behind. Trailing them are former councilman Vincent Conti, a Democrat, and Christina Sitaca. Republican Christian Onuoha, who had previously served on the council, did not seek re-election.

Spotswood Mayoral Race

In Spotswood, Mayor Jackie Palmer lost re-election in a landslide to former Board of Education President Rich O’Brien. The final tally saw O’Brien with 3,355 votes to the incumbent’s 500, marking a decisive shift in local leadership.

Edison Board of Education Race

The Edison Board of Education race also drew significant attention, as it was seen as a precursor to the upcoming 2025 Mayoral Primary. Councilman Richard Brescher, who backed the winning candidates, played a key role in helping them decisively defeat incumbent board members Douglas Schneider and Brian Rivera by nearly a 2-to-1 margin.

Jamesburg Borough Council

In Jamesburg, Republicans Joseph Scilleri and incumbent Shannon Spillane are currently ahead in the race for two council seats. They are outpacing Democrats Tracey Madigan and James Kozee. In two weeks, Republicans will select a new candidate to replace Mayor Thomas Gibbons, who will step down on November 8 after serving just ten months in office.

Perth Amboy, East Brunswick, and Piscataway Mayoral Races

In Perth Amboy, Democratic Mayor Helmin Caba was re-elected to a second term in the city’s first-ever partisan election, reinforcing his political standing. In East Brunswick, Democratic Mayor Brad Cohen also secured re-election, as did Mayor Brian Wahler in Piscataway, continuing their leadership in those towns.