Triggiano Leads Red Bank Council Primary Race: Unofficial Results

RED BANK, NJ - One incumbent and one newcomer are leading in the Democratic primary race for Red Bank Borough Council, according to unofficial results from the Monmouth County Clerk's Office.

Five candidates are vying for the coveted three-year term this year: Kate L. Triggiano and Hazim Yassin, both who currently serve on the seven-member council, are running for re-election. The two other Democrats who filed are Bruce Maida and Jacqueline Sturdivant.

Republican candidates Jonathan Maciel Penney and Christine Stout serve as two "placeholder" candidates, according to Red Bank Green.

Incumbents Triggiano and Yassin, who campaigned together, were endorsed by fellow Democrats Mayor Pat Menna, Councilwoman Kathy Horgan, and Councilman Erik Yngstrom, state Sen. Vin Gopal, and Gov. Phil Murphy, while Sturdivant and Maida received backing from councilman Ed Zipprich.

As of Thursday afternoon, Triggiano is leading with 562 votes, followed by Sturdivant with 524 votes, Yassin with 510 votes and Maida with 473 votes.

On the Republican side, Penney and Stout, running unopposed, garnered 250 votes each.

Final results may not come until June 21 as mail-in ballots continue to be received.

11:05 a.m., June 10 vote count:

TRIGGIANO: 562 votes (27.1%)
YASSIN: 510 votes (24.59%)
STURDIVANT: 524 votes (25.27%)
MAIDA: 473 votes (22.81%)

Earlier this year, Triggiano, Yassin and fellow council members Kathy Horgan and Erik Yngstrom "joined with Mayor Pasquale Menna in calling for a change to Red Bank's form of government," according to a statement initially posted by Red Bank Green. The self-proclaimed "majority" Democrats have butted heads with Zipprich and councilman Michael Ballard over issues like the Red Bank senior center, spending, the borough redevelopment agency and more, according to the publication.

Triggiano is a School of Visual Arts graduate and has been a councilwoman in Red Bank since January 2019, according to LinkedIn. She currently serves on the Finance & Personnel, Public Safety, Police & Fire and Parks & Recreation committees.

Council President Yassin has served since January 2019 as well and currently serves on the Finance & Personnel, Code Enforcement, Environmental Control, Health, Welfare & Building Codes and Parks & Recreation committees.

"These are two extraordinary leaders I have gotten to know over the past number of years," Gov. Phil Murphy said at a virtual event hosted by the Monmouth County Democrats in February. "You're outstanding Democrats and you do what the residents need you to do which is to make government work for them, especially for those who have nowhere else to turn, and that's the most compelling reason they deserve to win re-election."

According to a statement from the campaign, Yassin is the first Muslim-American elected in the Monmouth County history. Triggiano is a member of the LGBTQ+ community.

"I am proud of the work we have accomplished in Red Bank, but our work is not done. To ensure Red Bank stays the progressive leader of Monmouth County, we must protect our environmental resources, sustain our public safety and community relations, and continue to make sure all residents are heard," Triggiano said.

Sturdivant is a 20-year Red Bank resident who serves as the vice president of the Board for the Courtyard of Red Bank Association and is a supporter of the T. Thomas Fortune Cultural Center, according to a press release posted by TAPInto Red Bank. She is employed in the business sector as a global corporate strategy and leadership development executive.

"Together, Maida and Sturdivant pledge to curb rampant overdevelopment, raise the morale of Red Bank municipal employees, ensure fair housing standards, implement green acres initiatives and encourage open, honest communication between our businesses and residents," the release reads.

Maida is a retired Project Manager and Principal Engineer for National Grid and is one of two Democrats (alongside Sturdivant) supported by the local party, including party chairman and borough council member Ed Zipprich.

"I could not be more thrilled to have such an outstanding running mate," Maida said of Sturdivant.

"Jacqueline and I are fellow engineers who will work with the Mayor and other members of Council to effectively utilize governmental resources, ensure transparency in government, respect all Borough employees and volunteers, and maintain rock-solid support for our public schools, our Public Library, our existing Senior Center, riverfront parks and ALL our neighborhoods."