'Humbled and Honored': Jefferson Mayor Wilsusen Thanks Voters After Primary Victory

JEFFERSON, NJ — Incumbent Mayor Eric Wilsusen turned back a primary challenge Tuesday, winning the Jefferson Township Republican mayoral primary and securing his spot on the November ballot.

Wilsusen received 1,609 votes to challenger Christian E. Barranco's 1,138. No Democratic candidates filed petitions for the race.

In the Republican primary for two Township Council seats, incumbents Melissa Senatore and Thomas "Farmer Tom" Galfo also advanced, with 1,557 and 1,540 votes respectively. Challengers Sheila J. Brown received 1,015 votes and Dorothy "Dottie" Santasieri received 947.

In a post-election statement, Wilsusen credited supporters and volunteers for the win while acknowledging a difficult campaign season.

"Campaigns can be challenging, and this one in particular was tough on our team and community due to the opposition's overall negative tone," Wilsusen said. "Still, your encouragement and belief in our vision for Jefferson kept us moving forward every day."

Wilsusen said the victory was about more than winning. "This election was about continuing to move Jefferson Township forward in a positive manner with experienced leadership, fiscal responsibility, continued transparency, and a commitment to serving every resident," he said.

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