Polls closed at 8:00 p.m. across New Jersey in today’s highly anticipated primary elections, and within minutes, major races were called — setting the stage for a high-stakes gubernatorial showdown this November.
Republican Jack Ciattarelli clinched the GOP nomination for governor by 8:20 p.m., decisively defeating a crowded field that included radio host Bill Spadea. Both candidates aggressively courted President Donald Trump’s endorsement, but it was Ciattarelli who ultimately secured the nod — a move that helped power him to victory.
On the Democratic side, Rep. Mikie Sherrill cruised to a commanding win in her party’s primary, making her the official Democratic nominee to face Ciattarelli in November. While Sherrill’s victory was widely expected, it landed as a disappointment in Lakewood’s Orthodox Jewish community, which turned out heavily in support of Rep. Josh Gottheimer — a longtime ally of Orthodox voters — who was the community’s overall preferred candidate on the Democratic side.
Despite the setback, Lakewood’s massive turnout did not go unnoticed.
“The numbers coming out of Lakewood tonight sent a loud message across New Jersey,” said one political analyst. “The kehilla has emerged as a serious voting bloc with real influence. Any statewide candidate moving forward will have to take them into account.”
Locally, several candidates running unopposed won their respective primaries:
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Assemblyman Avi Schnall won the Democratic primary for a second term representing New Jersey’s 30th Legislative District, continuing his rapid rise as a key voice in Trenton.
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Sam Ellenbogen, a well-known askan from Toms River, won the Republican primary for Ocean County Commissioner. If victorious in November, Ellenbogen would become the first frum commissioner in Ocean County history.
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Sheriff Mike Mastronardy, a familiar and trusted figure in Ocean County, won his GOP primary to remain in his position as county sheriff.
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Albert Akerman, a longtime presence in Lakewood municipal politics, won the Republican primary for Lakewood Township Committee, continuing his strong local support.
Message from Lakewood is that we backed a loser.
Message from Lakewood is that we backed an anti trump Toeva supporter
Well if you voted for Ciattarelli you voted against the Republican party. We now have 2 Democrats running for Governor.
Nicole, please explain. Ciattarelli was endorsed by Trump
Who cares what people think about your elections.Look whats going on in the surrounding towns of Lakewood.Its a crying same what the State and Federal Government has turn it into.Here is a perfect example on Michael Inzelbuchand which should do jail time for ripping off tax payers money in Lakewood. Yet your Governor Phil Murphy even question it and did nothing about it.To the public this is not really hard to figure out .The future of Lakewood township and all of the surrounding towns will go Bankrupt in the year 2030..Corruption at its best and people think about it when it comes down to the truth no one cares.
What a joke ha ha ha.