Bernards Township Primary Election 2026: Vanathi Raghupathy

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Bernards' primary election on June 2 has five candidates running for two open seats on the Township Committee.

Vanathi Raghupathy is one of three Republican candidates running in the primary. Raghupathy is running with Paul Humbert. Kirsten Light is also running as a Republican.

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Additionally, there are two Democratic candidates, Ana Duarte McCarthy and Joan Bannan, who are running together, and Kirsten Light are also running in the primary.

All of the candidates are running for the two, three-year seats on the township committee.

Are you running for office in Basking Ridge? Contact Alexis Tarrazi at alexis.tarrazi@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Basking Ridge Patch.

Vanathi Raghupathy

Age: Withheld

Town of residence: Basking Ridge

Position sought: Township Committee

Party affiliation: Republican

Family: My husband and I have raised two sons here in town. One is in college and the other in the school district. We have raised them to be kind and respectful to women and seniors

Education:

• Graduate of Fatima College, Madurai, India First Class
• Masters Degree Computer Programming
• Bachelors Degree Computer Programing

Occupation:

• Healthcare Systems Analyst
• Previously, NJ Department of Education

Previous or current elected appointed office: Treasurer, Parents for Exceptional Children Bernards Township School District

Campaign website: facebook.com/Raghupathy4Bernards

Why are you seeking election to the Township Committee?

I’m not a scripted politician - I’m a wife, a mother, a neighbor who cares. I’m proactive and bring a business mindset to government. This year the Democratic majority which assumed leadership of Bernards Township for the first time ignored my proposal to opt out of the spiraling State Health Insurance Plan. Warren next door opted out. We are going to experience some of the largest property tax increases this June including real estate appraisals and now the Mayor is blaming Trenton.

What issues do you feel need to be tackled in the Township?

1. Sharply increasing property taxes making it unaffordable.
2. Balance overreach from developers through smart redevelopment bring jobs to town.
3. Build safety and security so our residents can feel safe in their homes and outside including crossing streets like Allen Road in The Hills which is managed by Somerset County.

Is there anything you would like to share about yourself or your campaign?

I represent the American Dream!

I came to this country seeking opportunity and have worked hard to achieve success like many immigrants who came here before me from many countries. I love the rich diversity of our township and believe in SERVICE to one’s community to strengthen it.