By Barbara A. Preston | Posted November 6, 2025
A quick review of the unofficial election results show most Somerset County towns elected Democratic candidates on November 4 — even some of the historically "Republican" towns. Montgomery and Rocky Hill caught that wave years ago, and, once again, voted blue from the top of the ticket down to township committee and borough council.
Somerset County officials with Montgomery Township Committee members, NJ Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill, and Gov. Phil Murphy at Aja restaurant in Skillman on October 30. From left: Dennis Ahn, Mayor Neena Singh, Mitchell Druis, Sherrill, Murphy, Surrogate Bernice "Tina" Jalloh, and Committeeman Mike Martin.
Photo by Barbara A. Preston
Local voters also opted for the less conservative candidates for the Montgomery-Rocky Hill school board — voting to fully support their teachers, administrators, and union members in their nationally highly ranked school district.
While school board elections are non-partisan, there is a divide in the country right now that includes debates on school funding, the political role of teacher unions, and curriculum, particularly regarding social justice and academic rigor. Also, teacher unions' use of dues for political action, including contributions to what some view as left-wing political causes and candidates, has become a point of contention and a source of division, according to letters sent to The Montgomery News editor.
The Excellence in Education slate decisively won the three seats available on the Montgomery Rocky Hill School Board, according to the unofficial results available from the Somerset County Clerk's Office. According to the clerk, 100 percent of the districts have reported. However, all mail-in and provisional ballots still need to be counted. A final certification of votes will be on November 19.
Six candidates appeared on the November 4 ballot, competing for three open positions on the board. Each is a three-year term.
Two new faces, Francine Pfeffer of Skillman and Kathryn Worland of Rocky Hill, will be present on the Montgomery School Board in January. Also elected is Julius Nunez of Montgomery, who the board previously appointed to serve the remaining term of a member who had to resign in 2024.
They will take the seats of incumbents Joanna Filak of Skillman, and Ania "Anna" Wolecka-Jernigan of Montgomery, both who lost their bids for re-election this year. Also rolling off the board will be Michelle Dowling, who opted not to run for re-election.
Newcomer Jiying "Peter" Li, who ran on the Children First platform with Filak and Wolecka-Jernigan, also lost the election.
Voter tally from the Somerset County Clerk's Office as of 11 am on Thursday.
Pfeffer, a lobbyist for the NJEA, gave the following statement on behalf of her "Excellence in Education" slate: "We look forward to serving the students and community in Montgomery and Rocky Hill."
Board Member Joanna Filak, who lost her bid for re-election, told The Montgomery News: "Fighting as an individual against the NJEA machine is a mission impossible. It’s unfortunate we now have a district fully controlled by the NJEA. People have spoken. They should not complain later when taxes go up but less services and support for students are available."
Wolecka-Jernigan said: "I am truly grateful for the incredible support, encouragement, and conversations shared throughout this campaign. Each message and every vote reflected the values and spirit that make Montgomery such a remarkable community. While the outcome was not what we hoped for, I remain deeply committed to our schools, our students, and the shared goal of educational excellence. I trust the newly elected Board of Education will continue to lead with transparency, integrity, and respect for the voices of our residents.
"Thank you, Montgomery, for your faith, engagement, and belief in the power of working together for the good of our community."
Four candidates ran for two, three-year terms on Montgomery Township Committee. Voters elected Vince Barragan and Mike Martin.
GOP candidates Chris Venis and George De Sanctis ran a strong race on a platform calling for more transparency in local government. The also fought to challenge state mandates to stop over-development, to push the state of NJ to address Route 206 traffic issues, and to stand up for police and first responders. In a township in which registered Democrats outnumber Republicans two-to-one, the odds were stacked against them. It has been almost nine years since Montgomery voters elected a Republican.
Barragan and Michel "Mike" Martin ran on a platform calling for the removal of the Kenvue site from township affordable housing plan by extending deed restrictions on existing units at Pike Run. This was after they voted in June to include the high density development at Kenvue in the plan. They said they listened to township feedback and are working to change the plan.
They also spoke against using Montgomery police for federal immigration enforcement, saying, "We back our officers in protecting public safety — not political agendas."
They said they led the first police staffing increase in 15 years, improving response to mental health calls and building a strong pipeline of future officers.
Voter tally from the Somerset County Clerk's Office as of 11 am on Thursday.
Barragan said, “I’m humbled by the show of support from my neighbors and fellow residents - Thank you! I look forward to working with our entire community to enhance Montgomery as the best township in New Jersey!”
Martin said, “I am humbled and honored by the support of Montgomery. I want to thank those who gave their time and effort to make this happen. I want to thank George and Chris for putting forward ideas and energy in this race. We are better when everyone joins in because the challenges we face require collaboration across differences. I look forward to the work ahead and ensuring Montgomery is the best it can be.”
Chris Venis and George De Sanctis quoted Louis Brandeis: “Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants,” in their joint statement to The Montgomery News.
"We would like to thank all the residents of Montgomery Township for their support and encouragement. Despite falling short, we feel we accomplished quite a bit. Our campaign focused on allowing the residents to be heard and light to be shed on numerous issues. The Kenvue Affordable Housing mess should have never occurred. But, thanks to the residents for joining us, we forced the Township Committee to hold public hearing on the issue, which should have been done sooner. Now, the State and Township know there is a push for more public input.
"Thankfully, with our help and assistance, the Police Department, after nearly a year, received a new contract. The issue was brought into the public light and continuously being championed by us.
"The conversations the Township held in private with developers was also brought into the light. No longer, can the Township Committee ignore the public and keep things hidden. Future committee, zoning and planning board meetings will have a new feel — input from the public.
"Thank you to all the residents that greeted us warmly to discuss issues affecting them directly, and to our dozens of volunteers that put in hours of hard work. This is just the beginning and the dawn of a new and more transparent local government. Please join us in the future as we transform Montgomery into a wonderful community and show its true potential."
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The tiny borough of Rocky Hill, which has about 250 households, continues as a Democratic stronghold. No Republicans filed to run on the GOP ticket for borough council. As a result, incumbent Councilman Jon Lee was elected with 281 votes to serve for another three years, and newcomer Albert Chini was elected with 272 votes to serve. Chini will replace Councilwoman Catherine Plunkett, who decided not to run for another term.
Democrats also won all Somerset countywide seats, including Sheriff, Surrogate, and County Commissioner.
For County Commissioners: Democrat Melonie Marano had 63,952 votes over Republican Nick Cuozzo with 48,498 votes, and Democrat Elizabeth Garner had 73,949 votes over Michelle Mayorga with 53,649 votes.
For Sheriff: Democratic incumbent Darrin Russo had 65,378 votes over Republican challenger Michael Manochio with 47,430.
For Somerset County Surrogate: Democratic incumbent Bernice "Tina" Jalloh had 63,354 votes over Republican Chris Corsini with 48,164.
The vote tallies do not represent the final election outcome. Vote totals will remain unofficial until all mail-in and provisional ballots are counted by November 14.
Have a news tip? Email barbara@themontynews.com.
