Brick Township, NJ — Despite its historical Republican leanings, Brick Township remains a Democratic stronghold at the local level, with the GOP facing an uphill battle to reclaim power in the 2025 elections.
In fact, it’s the only major municipality in Ocean County where Democrats control the show, and to be honest, it’s one of the best run towns in the county.
The scars of past Republican missteps—massive tax increases, controversial red light cameras, and allegations of political corruption, nepotism, and patronage jobs—continue to haunt the party, while the success of Democratic leadership under former Mayor John Ducey and current Mayor Lisa Crate keeps residents content and the town thriving.
As polls show Republicans trailing, the reality of a GOP victory in 2025 appears slim.
A Tarnished Republican Legacy
In the early 2000s, Brick’s Republican leadership lost the trust of residents after a series of unpopular decisions. A significant tax increase, approved via a 2011 referendum under then-Mayor Stephen Acropolis, strained household budgets, with voters reluctantly agreeing to avoid layoffs of police officers and other municipal employees amid an $8.6 million budget shortfall.
The introduction of red light cameras further fueled public discontent, seen by many as a revenue grab rather than a safety measure.
Worse still, allegations of political corruption, including nepotism and patronage jobs, left a bitter taste. Residents grew weary of what they perceived as self-serving governance, setting the stage for a political shift.
John Ducey’s Transformative Tenure
In 2013, John Ducey, a Democrat, swept into the mayoral seat with 61% of the vote, capitalizing on voter frustration. His administration ushered in a wave of progress, focusing on economic revitalization and community engagement.
Ducey’s leadership attracted major businesses to Brick, boosting the local economy. Redevelopment plans transformed abandoned commercial sites into vibrant, hip social spots, such as trendy restaurants and community hubs, breathing new life into the township. His policies resonated with residents, leading to re-elections in 2017 (66%) and 2021 (63%), while Democrats secured six of seven township council seats, cementing their dominance.
When Ducey resigned in February 2023 to become a New Jersey Superior Court judge, the township council appointed Lisa Crate to serve as interim mayor. Crate, a seasoned councilwoman, won a special election in November 2023 against Republican Assemblyman John Catalano, securing 11,054 votes to his 7,700. Her victory, alongside the re-election of Democratic council members Vince Minichino, Derrick Ambrosino, and Melissa Travers, underscored the party’s enduring appeal.
Crate has continued Ducey’s legacy, prioritizing fiscal responsibility, community-focused governance, and ongoing redevelopment. Her administration’s success is evident in the town’s bustling commercial landscape and high resident satisfaction.
A Republican Town with Democratic Loyalty
Brick Township remains a Republican stronghold in state and federal elections, with 61% of voters supporting Donald Trump in 2020 and 69% backing GOP gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli in 2021. Yet, at the local level, voters consistently favor Democrats, a trend political analysts attribute to the GOP’s past missteps. “Brick voters have shown a propensity for taking a hard look at candidates of either party,” said Micah Rasmussen of the Rebovich Institute for NJ Politics.
The memory of Republican mismanagement lingers, making it difficult for the GOP to regain trust. In 2025, early polls indicate Republicans are trailing Democratic incumbents, even as Democrats face challenges on state and national levels due to economic concerns and polarizing social issues.
Brick Township today is a picture of prosperity. New businesses, from family-owned eateries like Burger 25 to national chains, have revitalized the commercial landscape. Redeveloped sites now host thriving social spots, drawing crowds for dining, entertainment, and community events.
Residents express high satisfaction with the township’s direction, citing improved public services, a vibrant local economy, and a safe, family-friendly environment.
The township’s commitment to year-round accessibility, exemplified by businesses staying open during the off-season, has further endeared Democratic leadership to the community.
As the 2025 election approaches, the Brick Township Republican Club has announced its candidates for mayor and council, but they face a formidable challenge. The Democratic slate, led by Crate, benefits from a track record of success and a voter base wary of returning to the GOP’s troubled past.
While national and state-level Republican gains—driven by economic concerns and immigration debates—have bolstered the party elsewhere, Brick’s unique political landscape favors candidates who prioritize local issues over partisan rhetoric.
With only one Republican, Perry Albanese, on the council since 2022, the GOP’s path to a majority remains steep.
The reality for Brick Republicans in 2025 is clear: despite the township’s conservative leanings in broader elections, the Democratic grip on local government, built on years of effective governance and community trust, shows no signs of loosening.
As one resident put it, “The town is doing great—business is booming, and we’re happy. Why change what’s working?” Unless Republicans can overcome their historical baggage and connect with voters on local priorities, their chances of winning in 2025 remain slim.
