BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, NJ – Republican candidates decisively won all four ward council races in Berkeley Township on Tuesday night, securing another clean sweep and maintaining complete GOP control of the local government.
Unofficial results from the Ocean County Clerk’s Office showed wide margins across every ward, continuing a long pattern of Republican dominance in the township.
Each GOP council candidate captured roughly two-thirds of the vote in their respective wards.
Key Points
- GOP candidates win all four Berkeley Township ward races
- Each Republican received between 63 and 70 percent of the vote
- Republicans retain full control of the Berkeley Township Council
Ward 1: Byrnes re-elected with commanding lead
Republican James J. Byrnes won re-election in Ward 1 with 3,223 votes (69.7%) over Democrat Brian R. Harkavy, who received 1,395 votes (30.1%). Only nine write-ins were reported.
Ward 2: Guadagno wins nearly 70 percent of vote
In Ward 2, Republican Angelo Guadagno defeated Democrat Kia C. Phua by a wide margin, earning 3,118 votes (69.0%) to Phua’s 1,390 (30.8%). Eight write-ins were recorded in the race.
Ward 3: Signorile secures victory over Curtis
Republican Michael Signorile captured the Ward 3 seat with 3,847 votes (63.8%) against Democrat Mary K. Curtis, who received 2,185 (36.2%). Two write-in votes were cast.
Ward 4: Gingrich tops ballot to complete GOP sweep
In Ward 4, Republican Sophia Gingrich rounded out the Republican sweep, earning 3,849 votes (64.3%) over Democrat Carol M. Cousins, who tallied 2,132 (35.6%).
Continued Republican control
With Tuesday’s results, Republicans will continue to hold all seats on the Berkeley Township Council, reaffirming the party’s strong grip on local politics in one of Ocean County’s most reliably conservative municipalities.