Democrats Win Across the Board in Gloucester Township, Camden County Elections

Democratic incumbents held on to both General Assembly seats in the Fourth Legislative District during Tuesday night’s election.

Paul Moriarty and Gabriela Mosquera defeated Republican challengers Kevin Murphy and Jack Nicholson, according to unofficial results posted online.

The Democrats each garnered 30 percent of the vote and the Republicans each picked up 20 percent of the vote. The district covers parts of Gloucester and Camden counties, including Gloucester Township.

Locally, all four Democrats running for council in Gloucester Township were victorious in Tuesday night’s election, according to unofficial results posted on the county website.

Council Vice President Orlando Mercado earned the most votes, collecting 4,643 votes and winning 15.74 percent of the vote.

Councilwoman Tracey Trotto was next with 4,583 votes (15.53 percent), followed by the two newcomers. Michael Mignone earned 4,556 votes (15.44 percent) and Andrea Stubbs won 4,435 votes (15.03 percent).

Council President Glenn Bianchini decided not to run for re-election.

The Democrats defeated Republicans Patricia A. Kline, Joseph P. Habina, Peter D. Heinbaugh and Jennifer O’Donnell.

“We are honored and humbled to represent our Township,” the Democrats said in a joint statement on Wednesday. “We are looking forward to working for the betterment of Gloucester Township and its residents. We will continue moving forward, capitalizingon new opportunities and providing outstanding services for all.

“We wish to thank the citizens of Gloucester Township for believing in our message and we look forward to meeting more residents and reconnecting with friends and neighbors we met along the campaign trail. There is no doubt in ourminds that we live in a wonderful community.”

Glendora resident Susanne Reilly, Blackwood resident Deborah Simone and Blackwood resident Tamara Jackson emerged from a field of 11 candidates to claim seats on the Gloucester Township Board of Education for the K-8 district.

Reilly was the top vote-getter with 2,704 (16.57 percent), followed by Simone with 2,662 votes (16.31 percent) and Jackson with 2,268 votes (13.9 percent).

Other candidates included:

• Carlton Adams, of Magnolia;
• Terri Fretz, of Blackwood;
• Kathryn Petner, of Glendora;
• Brian Reagan, of Laurel Springs;
• Robert Ritz, of Blackwood;
• Samuel Sweet, of Sicklerville;
• Patrick Thomas Sr., of Erial; and
• Theresa Welsh, of Magnolia.

Three incumbent Black Horse Pike Regional School District Board of Education members won re-election, led by Board Member Dawn Leary, who won 4,285 votes (26.51 percent). Board Member Jennifer Storer won 3,863 votes (23.9 percent) and Board President Jay McMillan won 3,307 votes (20.46 percent).

Laurel Springs resident Charles W. Pildis II and Sicklerville resident Samuel Garro also ran in the election.

Jonathan L. Young won the unexpired seat in the Camden County Freeholder race, defeating Republican Theodore “Teddy” Liddel. Young won over 62 percent of the vote.

Jeff Nash, Susan Shin Angulo and William F. Moen won the other three seats, defeating Republicans Winston Extavour, Ian Gill and Rob Stone. Nash won over 22 percent of the vote, and Shin Angulo and Moen each won over 20 percent of the total vote.

Democrat and former Gloucester Township Councilwoman Michelle Gentek-Mayer easily defeated Republican Joseph Rodi Jr. in the race for County Surrogate. Gentek-Mayer won over 63 percent of the vote.

The Democrats maintained control of the Sheriff’s Office, with Gilbert “Whip” Wilson defeating Republican and former Camden police officer Lou Hannon. Wilson won over 61 percent of the vote.