Rose Wins, Shifts Board Majority for First Time in Northampton History

The mood in Tuesday night was electric as the votes came in.

One district reported 100 votes more the opponent, another had 50. Slowly, the men working the numbers came to realize that their party, their team, had a shot to make history.

And they did, by an unofficial 257 votes, according to Bucks County Election Board's results.

Kimberly Rose, the Democratic first-time candidate, was elected to the Board of Supervisors in this year's local race. She beat incumbent Republican candidate Vincent Deon and will serve a six-year term.

"I'm in shock," Rose said around 9 p.m. as it looked more like she would win the race. "I worked so hard. I just put my whole heart and soul into this."

Paul Lang, who was the Democratic candidate for township auditor, was tallying the votes at the Democratic Committee's after party in Dom's Lounge. 

"This is the most exciting time in the history of Northampton Democrats," Lang said. 

With Rose's election, the Board of Supervisors will now have a 3-2 majority in the Democrat's favor, which has never happened. She is also the first female Democrat to be elected to the Board. 

Deon said Tuesday night, "The people spoke and it's not looking good."

He said the money his opponent put into the race was "unbelievable," adding "Northampton is a great township."

As the final votes were counted, cheers broke out among the about 50 people gathered to share in the victory. 

Northampton Township Democratic Committee Chair Vijay Khanna, Supervisors Frank Rothermel and Jim Cunningham and Rose herself gave speeches thanking those involved who helped them win.

"To meet her ... is to know she's going to do the right thing for Northampton," Rothermel said about Rose. "You should expect more from your leaders to protext your back and protect your wallet."

In other township races:

• William Benz was re-elected as Majesterial District Judge in Richboro, District 07-2-01
• Karen Jim was re-elected as Township Auditor
• Find a full line-up of Council Rock Election Results here

Wed:

Rose beat Deon by 374 votes and Jim beat Lang by 1,107 votes.