Meet The Republicans Running For Eatontown Mayor And Council

EATONTOWN, NJ — On Nov. 3, there will be an election for Eatontown mayor and two Council seats.

On the Democratic side, Eatontown mayor Anthony Talerico is asking voters to re-elect him, and Councilwomen Danielle Jones and Candace Faust seek re-election alongside him.

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They are challenged by the Republican ticket of Maria Grazia Escalante, who is currently in her second term as an Eatontown Councilwoman. Running with her is Kevin Gonzalez, who's been on the town council before, and political newcomer Ali Mehdaoui; this is his first time running for political office.

Patch asked the three Republican candidates to introduce themselves to voters:

Meet Maria Escalante

I've called Eatontown home since 1967. My husband, Miguel, and I raised our three children here, all of whom attended Eatontown public schools. Our oldest son now owns a home in town, continuing our family's connection to the community.

I graduated cum laude from Monmouth University with a degree in history and worked in corporate America, gaining experience in business operations and management. Today I own and operate Imprint Shop, the Eatontown business my late father founded in 1997. Running a small business has taught me to manage expenses, make difficult decisions and account for every dollar spent.

I'm serving my second term on the Eatontown borough Council, where I've worked on municipal finances, public buildings, recreation and community services. (She was first elected as a Councilwoman in 2022.) My involvement in town began long before elected office, as a Girl Scout leader, a CCD teacher at Saint Dorothea's (Roman Catholic church) and a volunteer at Meadowbrook Elementary School.

Eatontown has heard a lot of announcements over the years. What residents need now is follow-through. Decisions about spending, development and infrastructure affect every household, and we need to set clear priorities, weigh long-term costs, and see projects through responsibly. Asking tough questions before spending taxpayer money isn't an obstacle to progress. It's how we make sure we get Eatontown's future right.

My priorities are making municipal spending more transparent, ensuring our Community Benefit Agreement (CBA) funds are used responsibly, addressing longstanding infrastructure and flooding concerns, and balancing new development with the needs of existing neighborhoods. Residents also deserve clear communication about decisions made on their behalf, including what major projects will cost. As a councilwoman and small-business owner, I know every dollar matters, and government should be run with the same care families and businesses practice every day.

I've been fortunate to earn support from residents across party lines. I think that reflects my willingness to listen, ask hard questions and do what's best for Eatontown. My goal is simple: bring people together, set responsible priorities and deliver results for our whole community.

Meet Kevin Gonzalez

I am a longtime Eatontown resident, local business owner and former Borough Council member with a strong commitment to public service and the future of my community.

During my previous tenure on the Eatontown borough Council, I was a strong advocate for fiscal responsibility, careful oversight of taxpayer dollars and thoughtful planning for the borough's future. (Gonzalez was on the town Council from 2009 - 2012. He lost a re-election bid in 2012 but was then voted back onto the council in 2013. He was on the town Council from 2013-2016, lost, then re-elected again and sat on the Council from 2020-2022.)

My dedication to Eatontown extends well beyond my time on the Council. I previously served a combined 10 years on the Eatontown Board of Education and Recreation Advisory Committee. I have also been actively involved in the community's youth programs, coaching numerous sports teams and volunteering as a Cub Scout leader.

Professionally, I have been a licensed physical therapist for more than 32 years and am the owner of Activity First Physical Therapy, where I have proudly served the Eatontown community for over two decades. I hold degrees from UMDNJ and Kean College. My experience as a healthcare professional and small-business owner has given me a practical understanding of financial management, responsible budgeting and the challenges facing local families and businesses.

My wife, Denise, and I moved to Eatontown in 1996, where we raised our three sons. Having called Eatontown home for 30 years, I understand the importance of preserving the qualities that make the borough a special place to live and raise a family. As a candidate for borough Council, I am focused on responsible spending, smart development, maintaining the character of Eatontown, and ensuring the borough remains an affordable and welcoming community for both current residents and future generations.

Meet Ali Mehdaoui

My name is Ali Mehdaoui, and I'm running for Eatontown borough Council because this town is personal to me. I graduated from Monmouth Regional High School, where I met my wife, Claudia. Today, we're raising our two children in the same community that helped shape my life. I want them — and every family here — to have a strong future in Eatontown.

My journey taught me perseverance, gratitude, and the value of opportunity. My Catholic faith guides my commitment to serving others, and I put that commitment into practice through St. Dorothea's church, PTA involvement, local volunteering and coaching youth soccer and basketball.

Professionally, I'm the founder and owner of M.E. Studios, a media and production company based in Eatontown. Running a business requires managing resources, solving problems, listening carefully, and following through. Speaking six languages also helps me connect with people from different backgrounds and perspectives.

I'm running because residents deserve clear communication, responsible spending, and practical solutions. My priorities include careful oversight of major municipal projects, addressing infrastructure needs, and supporting thoughtful development that strengthens our tax base while respecting existing neighborhoods. Homeowners, renters, seniors, and small businesses all deserve a voice in those decisions.

I won't promise that one Council member can solve every problem or guarantee lower taxes. I will commit to asking hard questions, examining costs and alternatives, explaining my decisions, and working with other council members and sitting mayor to move Eatontown forward.

I believe I can contribute by bringing business experience, community involvement and a willingness to listen to the Council table. I want to serve the town that helped shape me and earn residents' trust through consistent work and accountability.

My guiding principle is simple: fiscally responsible today, for a stronger tomorrow.

Election Day is Nov. 3. Early, in-person voting runs Oct. 24 - Nov. 1. There is no place to vote early in person in Eatontown, but here are the 10 early-voting locations in Monmouth County: monmouthcountyvotes.gov/voter-information/polling-places/ Vote-by-mail ballots were already mailed out to homes.