Montgomery/Somerset Co. Voters Favor Mikie and Jack for Governor, Monty Dems Reelect Incumbents in Local Races, GOP Local Elections Uncontested

By Barbara A. Preston | June 11, 2025 (Updated on June 12, 2025)

When it comes to making one's way to the ballot box, politics — specifically voting — appears to remain an unpopular activity in Montgomery Township, in Somerset County, and throughout New Jersey.

It comes as no surprise that only 17.7%, or 3,309 of 18,706 registered voters in Montgomery Township cast ballots in the 2025 primary on Tuesday. The primary election is an important step to selecting the next governor of New Jersey as well as the direction of Township Committee and the state general assembly.

Rocky Hill performed a little better, with 23%, or 138 of 593 casting ballots.

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Montgomery Township voters underperformed, as compared to Somerset County, in which 19.8%, or 50,942 of 256,983 voters, cast ballots. Still, the county numbers were very low.

The Republicans and Democrats were able to definitively select candidates to represent them in the upcoming General election on Tuesday, November 4.

This will be a high stakes election for the state. The governor race will determine whether New Jersey will follow Donald Trump's agenda, by electing his endorsed GOP candidate Jack Ciattarelli. Or, will the state remain blue, electing Mikie Sherrill.

The Democratic Party currently controls the office of governor and both chambers of the state legislature. All 80 NJ State Assembly seats are on the ballot this year.

Above: Democratic Party Winners. Below: Republican Party Winners.

Local Democratic Winners: Montgomery Township Committee

For the first time in many years, there were four candidates running for two spots to represent the Montgomery Township Democratic Organization in the upcoming November General Election.

Incumbents Vince Barragan and Michel "Mike" Martin got the party's nod. They defeated Montgomery High School student Amanda Baumunk who ran on a platform calling for rent control, a progressive tax on wealthy residents who own mansions, favored a local Green Deal, and sought to protect Montgomery's large population of immigrants. Her running mate Mazhar Q. Syed, came in last place, with 578 votes as of June 11. (Mail in ballots were still being counted.)

The Montgomery News asked Vince Barragan whether he was surprised with the low voter turnout of this election — given the high stakes. In other words, why is it important to vote?

"I once was that voter who did not vote in primaries," Barragan said. "Then, I realized I was delegating democracy to a small percentage of voters. If you want to have a voice in who is running in the General Election, and in who will be serving in office, then more people need to participate in the process."

"Every vote counts," Barragan said.

Barragan commented on behalf of his running mate, Mike Martin, and himself, telling The Montgomery News:

"We are humbled by the overwhelmingly, decisive support received from Montgomery residents in this year’s primary election.Thank you so much.

"We are also excited for NJ Gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherril’s and LD16 Assemblymembers Roy Freiman’s and Mitchelle Drulis’ victories - they have been amazing partners throughout the primary.  Finally, we would like to congratulate Amanda Baumunk and Mazhar Syed for running a spirited campaign."

Montgomery Township and Rocky Hill are in General Assembly District 16. Freiman and Drulis defeated Desouky.

Barragan added, "Now is the time for unity in Montgomery so we can tackle the issues facing our residents."

Amanda Baumunk submitted a statement to The Montgomery News on behalf of her running mate Mazhar Syed and herself:

"We are proud to have participated in one of the first competitive Democratic primaries in Montgomery history, and look forward to the potential for fresh voices in a post-county line New Jersey. Although the results are not what we hoped for, we are proud to have run on a platform of transparency, environmental protection, and progressive local government.

"We congratulate Mike Martin and Vince Barragan on their victory and wish them the best in the general election this November. We hope to continue the conversation with them and all Montgomery community members on the future we want to build for our township.

"Thank you to the voters who put their faith in our leadership. Thanks to those who knocked on doors, made phone calls, and donated to make this campaign possible. We are grateful for your support!"

Local Republican Winners: Montgomery Township Committee

Two Republicans ran unopposed in the Primary to represent their party: Small business owner Chris Venis and retired Sanofi-Aventis executive George De Sanctis.

Candidate Venis, who has agreed to an interview in July, told The Montgomery News:

"I want to thank my fellow residents of Montgomery for putting their faith ... in myself and George De Sanctis. George and I are in this race because the residents are seeking a change in direction, common sense policies with real experience, and real leadership."

He said that he and DeSanctis are working on their website, and it will be ready soon. DeSanctis was out of town and could not be reached for this article.

Other Local Elections

GOP General Assembly Candidates

Scott Sipos and Catherine Payne ran unopposed for NJ General Assembly.

Rocky Hill Borough Council Candidates

Incumbent Jonathan Lee and newcomer Albert Chini ran unopposed for two spots on the Democratic ballot for Rocky Hill Borough Council. The Republican party had no candidates in the Primary. The Montgomery News hopes to interview the candidates in July.

Somerset County Commissioners

Incumbent Melonie Marano, who currently serves as the commission's deputy director, ran unopposed for the Democratic spot on the ballot for Somerset County Commissioner. Candidate Nick Cuozzo ran unopposed for the GOP spot on the ballot.

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Somerset County's Favorite Candidates for Governor

Democrats chose Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill for New Jersey governor from among six prominent candidates, including two big-city mayors, two members of Congress and two union leaders. With a redesigned ballot intended to give all candidates a fair shot, it is the first race in decades that was not largely predetermined by local party leaders.

Somerset County Top 3 Dem Results: Mikie Sherrill 41%, Baraka 24%, and Fulop 15%.

Republicans selected Jack Ciattarelli, who was endorsed by President Trump, as their nominee from among five candidates. Republicans have had limited power in Trenton since 2017, when Gov. Philip Murphy, a Democrat, was first elected. Because of term limits, Murphy cannot run for another term.

Somerset County Top 3 GOP Results: Jack Ciattarelli 58%, Spadea 31%, Bramnick 9%.

The boxes below depict how Somerset County voters in the race for governor.