Democrat Shawn Wallach Re-Introduces Himself To Middletown Voters

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — There will be an election Nov. 3 for Middletown Township Committee, and that's why you see lawn signs out at homes.

There are two seats up for election on the Township Committee, and two Republicans and two Democrats are running.

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Longtime Middletown Committeeman Ryan Clarke's seat is up for election, and he is asking residents to re-elect him. He is a Republican. And Committeewoman Kimberly Kratz (Republican) chose not to seek re-election this year, so her seat is up for election. Morganne Dudzinski, a woman, is the Republican running for that seat. Dudzinski is a Republican party operative; she used to work for former state Sen. Jen Beck, the Republican who represented Monmouth County in the Statehouse from 2012 to 2018.

Clarke and Dudzinski are allies of Middletown Mayor Tony Perry, a Republican, who is running for county commissioner this year. (Perry will have to resign as Middletown mayor if he is elected county commissioner.)

The two Democrats running for the seats are Shawn Wallach and Jeremy Seideman.

Both ran unsuccessfully for Middletown Twp. Committee in 2025, and they are trying again this year. A majority of Middletown residents are registered Republican, and there has not been a Democrat elected to the Township Committee in 15 years.

Wallach and his running mate Seideman will be out knocking on doors this Saturday, Oct. 10 in the Middletown Village section. They will be joined by Rachel Peace, the Democrat who is challenging Republican Congressman Chris Smith in New Jersey's 4th Congressional district. She lives in Wall Township.

Patch will be introducing all four Township Committee candidates to voters, and giving them a platform to say why they are running. Here are Wallach's answers:

What is your name, age and office you are running for?

Shawn Wallach, candidate for Middletown Township Committee.

What is your occupation?

I've practiced law for over 25 years, managing my own firm in Red Bank and New York and recently joining a local law firm, always representing an individual or business in need of assistance. After Superstorm Sandy, I represented hundreds of residents and businesses up and down the Shore to fight for money they were owed but did not receive from their insurance companies.

How long have you lived in Middletown and what part of town do you live in?

My wife Melissa and I have called Middletown home for 25 years and live in the Oak Hill section. Our son Sam grew up in the Middletown school system, attending Nut Swamp Elementary School, Thompson Middle School and Middletown High School South, and is now a senior at Tulane.

Have you ever run for elected office before?

We ran last year for the Township Committee and made gains in support of our ticket. When the opportunity presented itself again, I couldn't turn it down. I've met so many wonderful people at events or knocking on doors, and I am doing this again to say thank you for your support and that I am here for Middletown.

What are your specific accomplishments and skills that would make you a good Township Committee representative?

I believe everything we want to accomplish in Middletown is possible, but only if we come together to do it. This election won't flip the balance of power on the Township Committee, but it will create something we haven't had in a long time: a check on what has become unfettered one-party control at the local level.

Some of the poor decisions made over the last decade weren't because they reflected what was best for the town or what most residents wanted. They were made because a small group of officials decided, for whatever reason, that's what they preferred. My goal is to offer a voice of reason. Just having someone on the Committee who will ask questions openly, share information honestly, and speak directly to residents will lead to better outcomes for everyone.

My career has been built on working with opposing lawyers who don't share my point of view, but I have learned that by listening carefully we can find solutions that work for all sides. That's the approach I'll bring to local government — less politics, more problem-solving.

Please give some examples of how you think the current Middletown Twp. Committee has failed the public, or not represented them well.

The Township Committee has had the same party composition for 15 years, and one-party control for over 40. When one group holds power that long, accountability fades and complacency sets in. They offer limited transparency and no debate; votes on major issues pass 5-0, and we only find out what the Committee wants us to.

There's so much to love about Middletown, but we do have issues. Right now, it is the loss of control over zoning and development due to decisions made several years ago to stop working with the state to plan for long-term growth. The Committee decided it would be in our best interests to deal with developers on a "case-by-case basis." Last year, when you asked me this same question, I cautioned where that would lead us. This year, I can unfortunately say the warnings came true. Look at the 450 units just approved in the most congested section of Rt. 35 by our "Evil Clown." That is the direct outcome of a decision the Township Committee made years ago, and the losses will continue to happen until the Committee develops a long-term plan for Middletown in compliance with our laws.

Our schools are the backbone of this community, and we continue to have a looming crisis on our hands. I trust the new members of the school board will get back on track and develop an actionable plan to bring our schools to the standards we expect for our town. I will work to ensure the Township Committee is ready to work with the board, offering financial support through shared service commitments.

Middletown Republicans are once again running under the slogan "Taxpayers First." It's a slogan they recycle year after year, yet every single person I speak with says "taxes" when I ask what they are concerned about in town. I know taxes aren't going away, but what many people mean when they say "taxes" is that they want to see where their money is going. They don't want to hear about schools closing or read again about losing senseless litigation that never should have started in the first place. They want safer roads, stronger schools, less traffic, and an affordable town where their young adult children can raise their families. And I'd like to join in that last one because nothing would make me happier than to have Sam move back to Middletown, just not into our house (this summer wasn't easy — love you, Sam!).

Why should voters vote for you instead?

Because Middletown voters know they deserve better. Jeremy and I are running to bring balance to the Committee — to bring Middletown back to the middle. We need accountability, cooperation and a voice from our residents.

Whether you're a Democrat, Republican, or unaffiliated, I think we can all agree that safe roads, strong schools, and fiscal discipline are not partisan issues. I'll focus on practical solutions to everyday concerns, striving for safer roads, stronger schools and transparent budgeting. Most important, I will always listen to our residents.

What's your favorite part about living in Middletown?

Middletown sits at the center of everything that makes New Jersey great. From our vast and beautiful parks, we're minutes from the beaches, a few miles from local farms and orchards and close enough to the city for an easy commute or a night out. When Mel and I made Middletown home, we didn't know anyone in town, but we met great people along the way.

This campaign is for all of Middletown, and all the residents who shared their town with Melissa and me when we moved here "some misty years ago." To those I haven't met yet, I look forward to learning what concerns you have and working together toward a solution.

Election Day is Nov. 3. Early, in-person voting runs Oct. 24 - Nov. 1; early voting can be done in Middletown at Croydon Hall, 900 Leonardville Road, Leonardo, NJ 07737. The state will mail ballots out to homes very soon.

Meet Rachel Peace (Toms River Patch, May 2026)