Former Bridgewater Mayor Hayes To Run For Mayor Again - This Time As A Democrat

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Former Republican Bridgewater Mayor Dan Hayes announced his intention to run for Mayor again, but this time under the banner of the Democratic party.

Hayes received the endorsement of the local and county Democratic party leadership.

"My passion for serving the people of Bridgewater has always been my guiding principle. It is not about a label, it is about actions that benefit our community, policies that uplift our shared values, and commitment to the people we serve," said Hayes, who changed his party affiliation in February of 2022.

Hayes was first elected as a Republican Councilman in 2010 and later elected as Mayor in 2012. Voters eventually ousted Hayes in the 2019 primary and voted instead for the current Republican Mayor Matthew Moench. Read More: Bridgewater Mayor Hayes Bids Farewell To Residents: Video

The controversial Center of Excellence project was the tipping point for voters at the time.

Saad Toor, who was running under the Democratic ticket for Mayor, has stepped aside and will now run for a council seat.

"I am honored to share the Democratic party line with Dan Hayes, his knowledge, experience, and vision for the residents of Bridgewater make this a winning team. I look forward to working with Dan over the next several months as we present our plans for Bridgewater’s future," said Toor.

The choice for Hayes to run for Mayor came after Gigi Ksiazak decided to remove herself from the township council race.

Ksiazak was running for a council seat along with Marguerite Baranowski. However, she decided to step down after consulting with family and friends and citing the need to balance the commitment to running for office and caring for her family.

"My commitment to the party and the people of Bridgewater remains steadfast. I have full confidence in the direction of our ticket and will continue to lend my support in any way possible to ensure that the Democratic ticket for Bridgewater emerges victorious," said Ksiazak.

Hayes has the endorsement of the Somerset County Democratic Committee.

"Although Hayes was a Republican Mayor, I always respected his commitment to the residents of Bridgewater and that despite any party differences, Dan always did what he believed was best for all of Bridgewater. Dan’s decision is a testament to his steadfast dedication to the people of Bridgewater, and his belief that effective public service transcends party lines," said Democratic County Chairwoman Peg Schaffer.

Hayes also has the endorsement of the Bridgewater Democratic Municipal Committee.

"I have known Dan for years. He is a strong community advocate and always maintained a positive working relationship with our schools. Dan stands in sharp contrast to the current Republican leadership which has failed to disclose the Attorney General's Report on the 2022 mall incident, continues to pursue unwanted electronic billboards on our busy highways, continues to show its disregard of residents’ concerns, and maintains a willingness to hide the facts from the public in order to financially benefit their friends,” said Jill Gladstone, Vice Chair of the Bridgewater Democratic Municipal Committee and former school board member.

Hayes along with Toor and Baranowski will now face off against Republican incumbents Mayor Matthew Moench and Councilmen Timothy Ring and Michael Kirsh in the contested November general election.

Currently, the Bridgewater Township Council is currently made up entirely of Republicans.

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