MICHAEL KIRSH AND AMBER MURAD CONGRATULATE SOMERSET COUNTY REPUBLICANS FOR LOCAL VICTORIES

Somerset County Commissioner candidates Michael Kirsh and Amber Murad congratulate their local running mates for their impressive showing in the November 2, 2021 election. Collectively Republicans flipped ten seats from blue to red in seven towns, and in the process Republicans became the majority party in two of those towns. No Republicans incumbent lost their seat.

“The local campaigns this year were impressive,” said Kirsh. “We enjoyed working closely with them, and I know that they will do an outstanding job for their hometowns and for Somerset County.”

“Congratulations to all the candidates for running great races throughout Somerset County,” said Murad, “and thank you to our Republican candidates for their hard work on the campaign trail and for staying true to the Somerset County Republican tradition of good common sense government.”

The Somerset County “blue to red” towns were:

Watchung: Christine Ead and Curt Dahl defeated incumbent Daryl Eisenberg-Knegten and a newcomer in a hard fought race, collectively taking 55% of the vote. The win puts the GOP into the majority at 4-2 for 2022.

Bound Brook: Former Bound Brook HS football coach Dom Longo prevailed in Bound Brook, alongside longtime Democrat incumbent Vinnie Petti. Longo’s victory leaves the council at 3-3, with Republican Mayor Bob Fazen passing the tie-breaking vote, changing control from Democrat to Republican.

Hillsborough: The Republicans swept the lone Democrat out of office. Newcomer Steve Cohen won, as did his running mate, Mayor Shawn Lipani. The Republican stronghold returns to a 5-0 GOP majority.

Bernards: The Republicans swept the lone Democrat out of office. Newcomer Jen Asay won, as did her running mate, Township Committeeman Andrew McNally. Like Hillsborough, this Republican stronghold returns to a 5-0 majority.

Bernardsville: Republicans Al Ribeiro and Jay Ambelang swept two full three-year terms on the Borough Council, while former Councilwoman Diane Greenfield won a two-year term. The GOP victory brings their council majority to 5-1.

Raritan: Republicans David Fritzinger and Joyce Melitsky swept two full three-year terms on the Borough Council. Joan Hutzler won a two-year term on the council. The GOP victory brings their council majority to 5-1 alongside Republican Mayor Zach Bray.

Manville: Republicans Barbara Madak and Branden Agans won in a landslide. The former Democrat stronghold will begin 2022 with a 6-0 majority alongside Republican Mayor Rich Onderko.