Republican Candidates Endorsed For Hillsborough Township Committee

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — The Hillsborough Township Republican Committee selected Committeeman Jim Ruh and Catherine Payne to run in the Republican primary this June.

Ruh Jr., a 35-plus-year resident of the Township and former Board of Education member, was selected in December 2022 to fill the unexpired term of Janine Erickson.

He announced this past January his intentions to run for a full term in November.

Payne who has lived in Hillsborough since 2007 currently serves on the Township Board of Adjustment and is a Volunteer at GIGI’s Playhouse and Saint Joseph’s Church in Hillsborough.

"Hillsborough Township is lucky to have so many great candidates step forward to represent Hillsborough," said Hillsborough Republican Chairman and Former Hillsborough Mayor and County Freeholder Ken Scherer. "Jim’s longtime dedication to Hillsborough and business background and Catherine’s volunteerism and business leadership will guarantee Hillsborough will be in good hands for years to come."

Ruh moved to Hillsborough in 1989 and is a graduate of Hillsborough High School. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Ruh has worked for the same company since high school and is currently the Vice President for Sales.

He lives with his wife Cybil, and three children – James, Isabella and Greyson. Ruh is also the Executive Director for the Shaun O’Hara Foundation and has worked to organize their annual golf outing for the last 13 years.

"I’m honored to receive my party’s endorsement for a full term on the Township Committee," Ruh said. "I truly believe Hillsborough is one of the best towns in America. This town has given me so many opportunities in life and has provided my family with the American Dream. My goal is to ensure that Hillsborough is an amazing town for years to come!"

Payne, originally from Bridgewater, moved to Hillsborough in 2007 with her husband Al Payne, a Hillsborough High School grad. She earned her Bachelor's from High Point University in International Business and Spanish.

Their oldest daughter, Brenna, is a Freshman at West Chester University and their twins, Emma and Dylan, are Sophomores at Hillsborough High School. Payne is active with GiGi's Playhouse of Hillsborough as both a literacy tutor and fundraising chair. GiGi's supports participants of all ages with down syndrome with free services that enrich and improve their lives.

"As a long-time volunteer for my children, I know the benefits of giving back to your community can bring," Payne said. "I’m excited to bring my voice as a mother, as a business leader, and as fighter to the township committee!"

Mayor Shawn Lipani said, "Jim and Catherine are what Hillsborough needs to ensure that we remain one of the best towns in America. I’m confident the voters in Hillsborough will proudly elect them this November!"

On the other side of the ticket, the Hillsborough Democratic Organization endorsed Ron Yoder and Samantha Hand as their nominees for the upcoming election.