Democratic Organization Not Conceding Mayoral Primary In Red Bank

RED BANK, N.J.— Although candidate Billy Portman, who bucked the Monmouth County Democratic organization in town, has been leading in the primary race for mayor, the party organization is not yet conceding defeat.

Ed Zipprich, borough councilman and head of the Red Bank Democratic Organization, said Wednesday he is "waiting for every vote to be counted."

"I'm not making any comment until all the votes are counted," Zipprich said.

Portman, who ran on the Democrats United for Red Bank line, was leading Councilman Michael K. Ballard in the Democratic primary for mayor by 747 votes to Ballard's 481.

When reached Tuesday night, Portman said he has declared victory, and he said he was congratulated by Gov. Phil Murphy, a Middletown resident.

Ballard said on Wednesday he is not making any comment about the race until all the votes are certified. Ballard's term on the Borough Council expires at the end of 2023, he said.

Vote totals are still being calculated. All votes are unofficial until they are certified later in June as the final official results by the Monmouth County Clerk's office.

Ballard and Portman were seeking the Democratic nomination for the seat currently held by longtime Mayor Pat Menna, who was not endorsed by the Red Bank Monmouth County Democrats and chose not to run.

Ballard was supported by the Red Bank Democratic organization and was running with the Monmouth County Democrats slate that includes incumbent Councilwoman Angela Mirandi and newcomer John J. Jackson, who ran unopposed for their nominations.

On the Republican side, Brian Irwin was running unopposed for the mayoral nomination. Christine Stout and Jonathan Penney were running unopposed for the two council nominations.

The unofficial results as of Wednesday afternoon in all races were:

Mayor:

• William "Billy" Portman (D) - 747
• Michael K. Ballard (D) - 481
• Brian Irwin (R) - 303

Council:

• Angela Mirandi (D) - 884
• John J. Jackson (D) - 889
• Christine Stout (R) - 312
• Jonathan Penney (R) - 306