Final Vote Tally Shores Up Lone Democrat's Win On Wayne Twp. Council

WAYNE, NJ — Now that all votes are counted, challenger Matthew Cavallo has officially conceded the race for Wayne's Fifth Ward on the Township Council to current member Francine Ritter.

Ritter will remain the only Democrat on the eight-person council, with seven other incumbent Republicans returning and another elected to council president Franco Mazzei's seat in the Third Ward. Numbers released on Friday extended her lead over Cavallo, by 816 votes to 757 — a total of 59 votes. Both have put out public statements since on the results.

Initial Election Night results had Ritter winning her second term by just 48 votes against Cavallo, who also serves as Commissioner of First Aid and Safety for the Wayne Township Memorial First Aid Squad.

The updated Board of Elections tally, which includes mail-in and provisional ballots, is still unofficial until the Passaic County Clerk's office certifies the results.

"It has been my distinct honor and privilege to represent the people of Wayne these last four years with the high level of transparency, accountability and integrity that Wayne residents deserve of their elected officials," Ritter said in a statement. "I am proud of the race I won and look forward to four more years of working for our residents as their independent voice on the Council."

Cavallo expressed sincere gratitude to "the 757 individuals who placed their trust in me," and said they inspired him with their dedication to the community, and their belief in his vision.

"It was a good race, and I appreciate the valiant effort that went into vying for the seat of the 5th Ward," Cavallo said.

"Though this chapter ends differently, the spirit of community engagement and civic responsibility lives on," he continued. "I remain committed to contributing to the betterment of Wayne Township in whatever ways I can."

Both candidates thanked those who voted for them, as well as their family, friends, colleagues, supporters, and running mates.

View the updated results from the Passaic County Board of Elections here.