SAYREVILLE – Incumbent Democrats Victoria Kilpatrick and Mary Novak have won three-year terms on the Borough Council in Sayreville.
On Nov. 7, Kilpatrick and Novak were re-elected, with Kilpatrick receiving 4,644 votes and Novak receiving 4,460 votes. The Democrats turned back a challenge from Republicans David Pawski, who received 4,310 votes, and Paul Campagna, who received 4,180 votes, according to results posted online by Middlesex County.
The results are unofficial until certified by the county.
With the victory, Democrats will continue to hold a 5-1 majority on the council in Sayreville. Republicans hold one council seat and the mayor’s office.
“Mary and I are truly humbled to have been elected to serve this town for another three years and would like to take this time to say thank you to everyone who came out to vote and support us,” Kilpatrick wrote in a joint statement after the election.
“Throughout this campaign, Mary and I remained focused on the major issue facing our town relating to overdevelopment and the effect it will have on every aspect of our lives. Last night, you proved that this election was about the issues, and that you believe in us to continue to fight for the future of Sayreville.”
“Over the past several months, Mary and I have watched more and more residents attending council meetings and advocating for what you believe is right for this town,” she wrote. “We want everyone to know that we hear you and encourage you to continue to voice your concerns and stay informed. As always, Mary and I are dedicated to moving Sayreville forward with your help. It is an honor to serve as your councilwomen. Together, we can make a difference.”
In a joint statement with Pawski, Campagna thanked the voters and reflected on their campaign.
“Let me begin by thanking all of our supporters for their vote and belief in us,” Campagna wrote. “Without you, we wouldn’t have stood a chance as the new faces to the political scene. While we are personally disappointed by the results, we are equally humbled by the opportunity we had to represent the residents of Sayreville.
“I commend Vicky and Mary for running a clean campaign,” he wrote. “We were very hard on them this year, expecting dirty tricks like the water lies the prior year, but at the end of the day, they won fair and square.
“While I wish them luck for the sake of our community, I’ll continue to refuse to admit that they are right for Sayreville. Admitting that they’re right for Sayreville would be excusing actions like the hiring of family using an old civil service list, disrespecting our beloved veterans and pushing a defective radio solution down the throats of our first responders. To all those first responders, I’m sorry I won’t have the ability to fight on your behalf. …
“I will close by thanking those voters who didn’t vote for Dave and I. Even though we didn’t earn your vote, we are both grateful that you came out and took part in the process. You took the time to show up and that’s what really matters. Godspeed to our community and thanks again for the support,” he wrote.