From left, Republicans Don Guardian, Claire Swift and Vince Polistina.
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
Republican candidates for state and county offices swept the Nov. 2 election with wins in the New Jersey Senate and Assembly, Atlantic County Commission and County Clerk races.
The race to select the next governor is yet to be decided, with incumbent Democrat Phil Murphy garnering 49.8% of votes cast statewide, and Republican challenger Jack Ciattarelli with 49.5%. Only 7,195 votes separate the candidates with 88% of votes counted.
Although there are still some provisional and mail-in ballots that need to be counted in Atlantic County, Republican candidates garnered more votes than Democrat incumbents putting them in office, and giving the Downbeach area a local representative in the NJ Legislature.
The unofficial results as of 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 3 are:
State Senate
Vince Polistina (R) 30,312
Vince Mazzeo (D) 27,740
Assembly
Claire Swift (R) 30,626
Don Guardian (R) 30,414
John Armato (D) 26,702
Caren Fitzpatrick (D) 25,750
County Clerk
Joe Giralo (R) 41,914
Lisa Jiampetti (D) 33,331
County Commissioner at large
Frank Balles (R) 44,421
Celeste Fernandez (D) 31,147
County Commissioner District 2
Maureen Kern (R) 10,284
Jelani Gandy (D) 7,212
A breakdown of votes cast in Atlantic County show that Democrat candidates took in more mail-in ballots than the Republicans. Other numbers show Democrats Mazzeo, Armato and Fitzpatrick, and Republicans Balles and Kern receiving the most early in-person voting ballots.
“Don, Claire and I are overwhelmed by the amount of support we have received from every corner of the district,” Polistina said in his statement to the media. “The polls and pundits might have counted us out, but we zeroed in on winning the most important endorsement of all, from the people of Atlantic County.”
Polistina, who previously served as a NJ Assemblyman, said the Republican team is looking forward to serving the district “and ushering in much needed change in Trenton.”
“I am honored to receive the full faith and trust of the people of Atlantic County,” former Atlantic City Mayor Guardian said. “It’s been 15 years since Trenton has heard a united voice speaking out from our corner of the state. Working as a team with Vince and Claire, we will fight for all of what South Jersey deserves and always put Atlantic County first.”
Swift, an attorney who lives in Margate said, “…our team worked hard on the campaign trail and focused in on a singular, positive message – bringing commonsense solutions to Trenton and keeping costs affordable for all South Jersey’s families. This will be our mission working for you.”
Fitzpatrick, one of two Democrats currently serving on the County Board of Commissioners, thanked supporters.
“Thanks everyone, for your support. It didn’t go our way, but the work continues,” she said on her Facebook page.
Gandy, a newcomer to politics, also took to his Facebook page to thank voters for their support.
“The numbers were not in our favor, but the message stays the same; Atlantic County has the potential to be so much better and I will still be here to be active in our community and work to see a brighter future in Atlantic County,” he said.
Copyright Mediawize, LLC 2021
