Victoria Napolitano Not Running For Re-Election In Moorestown

MOORESTOWN, NJ —Moorestown Councilwoman Victoria Napolitano announced on Saturday that she will not run for re-election. After announcements by Councilman Mike Locatell and Councilwoman Lisa Petriello, none of the incumbents up for re-election in Moorestown will run in November’s general elections.

Napolitano was first elected in 2012 as the top vote-getter along with her running mate, Phil Garwood. She was re-elected in 2016 when she ran alongside Locatell. In 2015, she made history at age 26 as the youngest woman to ever be sworn-in as a mayor in New Jersey.

Napolitano was named to the Burlington County Times Forty Under 40 and South Jersey Biz 20 Under 40. She was awarded the Drexel University Young Alumni Distinguished Service Award and was recently named aNational Elected Woman of Excellence by the National Foundation for Women Legislators.

“It has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to serve Moorestown as a member of Town Council,” Napolitano said. “I will forever be grateful to the people of Moorestown for giving me this opportunity not once, but twice. But, as the close of my second term draws near, I’ve decided not to seek another term.

“This is a decision that I have not made lightly, but after great thought and consultation with my family, I have decided that it is time for me to explore new ventures, and, more importantly, to make room for new individuals to bring their fresh ideas to the council.”

Three seats are up in the November general elections. Earlier this week, the Moorestown Democrats announced who their three candidates would be in November elections. Republicans have also been interviewing potential candidates.

See related: Mike Locatell Not Running For Re-Election In Moorestown

“Being a young woman in elected office has been challenging, gratifying, and eye-opening,” Napolitano said. “I have learned so much about the unique challenges that face women in public office. I have had the chance to talk to many young people, especially young women, about my experiences as an elected officeholder, and network with women of both parties from across our country, and I’ve been particularly lucky to forge friendships with a network of women who are making a difference right here in New Jersey. I feel even more strongly now than when I first ran for office eight years ago that more women and more young people must have a seat at the table in public office. I hope that my example has served as an inspiration to others, and I will continue to do more to make this a reality.

“One of my favorite things about serving on council, and especially as mayor, is that I have gotten to meet and recognize so many of the community-builders here in town. The people who are bringing people together around the arts, sports, history, charity — you name it. It is so inspiring to know how many people are willing to share their expertise and commitment to what they care about. The council has an important role to play, but these are the people who make Moorestown 'Moorestown.'

“People move to Moorestown for lots of different reasons. But I believe that the reason we stay is that Moorestown is one of the increasingly rare places where people still know their neighbors, where people care, and we feel like we’re part of something together. In this time of hyper-partisanship and increased isolation behind screens, it’s easy to forget that we’re all in this together. There is no ‘us’ and ‘them.’ We each have a responsibility as individuals to make our community work. We will have many disagreements along the way, but no matter how fervently we disagree, it is imperative that we treat one another with dignity and respect. Please bring your passion, but bring your compassion, too. If we can all commit to that, Moorestown will always remain a wonderful place to live, work, and play.

“I still remain deeply invested in the future of Moorestown, for my family and yours. I look forward to finding new capacities in which to serve our community and to keep our future bright.”