EAST BRUNSWICK – East Brunswick Township Council Vice President James Wendell, the 2016 Republican candidate for mayor and a lifelong member of the GOP, has joined the Democratic Party.
Wendell’s decision to switch parties gives the Democrats control of both the mayor’s office and the majority on the council.
“After long consideration, I have determined that my efforts to move our town forward would be better served by working in tandem with Mayor Brad Cohen, who has worked since his inauguration side by side with me, to improve the quality of life for East Brunswick’s families,” Wendell said in a prepared statement.
Wendell said he will continue to work with Republican council members Camille Ferraro Clark and Councilman Michael Hughes. Sterley Stanley and Michael Spadafino are Democrats.
“At a time when partisanship is at an all-time high, Mayor Cohen and I are committed to serving as an example of what is possible when former opponents join together for the betterment of our community,” he said. “As a lifelong resident of East Brunswick, my decisions have always been based upon what is best for our town and not based on political considerations.”